Jack Grealish was lauded by some fans on social media after his reaction to being assaulted by a pitch invader and for scoring the winning goal for Aston Villa against Birmingham City on Sunday. The 23-year-old was making only his second appearance since returning from injury but once again got on the scoresheet and was the difference at St Andrews.
Love the way you handled that today Jack absolutely class, deserved that goal
— Mark ツ???????????????????????????????????????????????????????? (@markjamess13) March 10, 2019
Great performance, showed steel and remained calm under the provocation and answered them by scoring the winner!!!! UTV
— Nigel AVFC (@nigel_avfc) March 11, 2019
The football, your performance, the result is of course is superb, but the way you handled yourself throughout is a credit to you and your family they must be so enourmsly proud of the man you are…I know me and my boys are as is every villa fan around the world…what a day…
— Stuart Cole (@StuartCole6) March 10, 2019
Well done Jack, you behaved with restraint, dignity and class. We are all very proud of you. #AVFC #JusticeForJack
— Helen Hill (@helenlhill) March 10, 2019
A class act, respect to you @JackGrealish1 with the way you conducted yourself in the post match interview #dignity #footballwins
— John Docherty (@JDocherty1975) March 10, 2019
@JackGrealish1 you showed maturity, control and great leadership #classact ????????⚽️
— Tony Daley MSc (@TonyDaley7) March 11, 2019
On the Sunday, Grealish made 41 touches, 24 passes with 87.5% accuracy, three chances, two tackles, one dribble and two shots. He was fouled three times and bagged the winning goal in the 67th minute. It was impressive enough that he didn’t retaliate when a Birmingham City supporter hit him in the back of the head too. He sat on the floor and smiled as chaos ensued with stewards and players.
Dean Smith made him captain upon his return to the first-team and it’s not hard to see why. The England u21 international has made 23 Championship appearances this season, scoring and creating eight goals. He was absent for nearly three months due to a shin injury but has come back stronger than ever to boost Villa’s hopes of finishing in the top-six.
‘Magnificent’, ‘Class’ – some fans praise Aston Villa defender after Birmingham win