Jack Grealish has admitted he nearly got himself sent off during Manchester City's crucial 3-1 victory over Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium. The winger scored the second goal for the champions in the 72nd minute, but his celebration almost cost him dearly.
Grealish, who was already on a yellow card, instinctively went to take his shirt off as he ran towards the away fans. However, he stopped himself just in time, realising that removing his shirt would have earned him a second yellow card and a subsequent red card.
Reflecting on the moment, Grealish told Amazon Prime Video: 'I actually was going to take my shirt off but then I realised I was on a yellow card, so it is a good thing I didn't.'
The £100 million man admitted that City were not at their best, saying: 'If I’m being honest I don’t think we actually played that well, I thought Arsenal played a lot better than us, I thought they were the better team.' Despite this, he emphasised the importance of the win, which moved City to the top of the Premier League on goal difference.
Grealish's goal was his second in a big game recently, following his strike in the Manchester derby defeat at Old Trafford. He expressed his delight at making an impact: 'To score that one tonight was so important and honestly man, I’m absolutely buzzing for myself and the team.'
The two title rivals are set to meet again at the Etihad in April, with Arsenal holding a game in hand that could see them reclaim top spot.
