Jack Grealish snapped back at the Aston Villa fans who jeered his return to Villa Park on Saturday afternoon with a reminder of his performances at Manchester City after the final whistle.
The £100million Manchester City man left Villa in 2021 and was welcomed back to his old club with plenty of boos every time he was touched during City's limp 2-1 Premier League defeat.
But while his temper got the best of him at full-time, Grealish was keen to make a response on the pitch as he raised three fingers to signify the three Premier League titles he has won under Pep Guardiola.
Grealish was part of the Catalan's historic Treble-winning side in 2023, adding to his list of accolades, but has struggled two seasons later.
The England international has failed to score in his last 45 games in club colors and was unavailable on Saturday to help his side reverse their lackluster form.
The hosts struck first on home soil, thanks to an early goal from Jhon Duran in the opening 20 minutes, and doubled their lead in the second half through Man City academy graduate Morgan Rogers.
Hopes of the final turnaround were sparked by Phil Foden after two minutes of extra time, but Guardiola's side suffered another defeat this season as Villa managed to keep proceedings under control as the seconds ticked away.
Grealish's temper had flared earlier in the match when the 29-year-old was involved in an altercation with Villa goalkeeper Emi Martinez at half-time.
As the match reached the halfway point, Grealish appeared to protest the lack of stoppage time in the first half.
As both teams left the field, the England international was seen exchanging words with his former teammate Martinez.
Erling Haaland played peacemaker, getting between the two men as they remained animated on their way off the field.
The conversation continued in the tunnel and the Argentine was subsequently shown a yellow card by referee Peter Bankes for his involvement in the incident.
Manchester City are in the midst of their worst ever run of form under Guardiola, who last month signed a two-year contract extension to extend his stay at the Etihad beyond the end of the season.
The series champions are a long way from their usual place in the title race with Christmas fast approaching, and after the match Peter Crouch added his voice to those skeptical the club could secure a title for the second half of the season. attack.
“I think you have to write off City in the title race,” the former Premier League striker told TNT Sports. 'They are showing no signs of title-winning form.'
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