Jack Grealish, Manchester City’s standout player, has observed a shift in how teams approach matches against his club, compared to their tactics against other Premier League giants like Liverpool and Chelsea.
Grealish noted that Wolves, under Gary O’Neil, took a far more defensive approach when they faced City at Molineux, contrasting their more open style against Liverpool and Chelsea earlier in the season. He views this as a mark of respect for City’s dominance.
Reflecting on the Wolves match, he said: “We lost at Molineux last season, so we knew it would be tough. We’re seeing more teams put men behind the ball when they play us, and honestly, the only way we can see it is as a compliment.”
He added, “Wolves are a strong side. I don’t understand how they’re so low in the table. From what I’ve seen, they’ve played well this season, just unlucky at the start of games. When they played Chelsea and Liverpool, those games were much more open. But against us, they packed the defense. It’s flattering.”
The match ended with City securing a dramatic late win, thanks to John Stones’ injury-time header. Arsenal’s dropped points at Bournemouth added to the sense of triumph for Guardiola’s men, but Grealish was quick to temper any talk of a big turning point in the season.
He said, “Honestly, we’re not thinking about other teams. It’s only October. Yes, Arsenal slipped up, but it’s not just them in the race. Liverpool and Chelsea are still in the mix. We just focus on ourselves. Scoring a late winner in an away game, there’s no better feeling.”
Meanwhile, Wolves boss Gary O’Neil has raised concerns about what he sees as a subconscious bias in favor of Premier League heavyweights like City. O’Neil, while acknowledging the integrity of match officials, suggested they might unintentionally lean toward awarding key decisions to bigger clubs in tight situations.
“There’s no way anyone is purposefully against Wolves,” O’Neil remarked, referencing a similar situation where his team had a goal disallowed against West Ham last season.
He continued, “But could there be something in the subconscious when making decisions? Without even realizing it, are officials more inclined to give the benefit of the doubt to Manchester City over Wolves?”
O’Neil questioned whether the stature of figures like Pep Guardiola and Erling Haaland might influence decision-making: “When you’re facing Man City, your focus is heightened. Are officials the same? Does facing City or Haaland impact their calls?”
Though O’Neil admitted he could be “miles off,” he drew a colorful analogy: “If I had to upset someone on the street, and there was a big guy and a small guy, I’m upsetting the small guy. Nothing against little guys, but it’s human nature.”
Despite his criticisms, O’Neil maintained respect for referees, emphasizing their honesty and hard work: “I know they’re doing their best, but maybe, just maybe, there’s something subconscious that tilts decisions in favor of the bigger clubs when things get tight.”
