Jack Grealish says the first FA Cup goal of his career was inspired by watching footage of Lionel Messi before Manchester City’s hard-earned win over Peterborough United.
Riyad Mahrez put the Premier League leaders ahead with their first attempt on target, before Grealish – the most expensive British player of all time – sealed City’s place in the quarter-finals.
The England midfielder produced a quality first touch to bring Phil Foden’s sweeping pass from inside his own half under control before rolling it beyond the keeper and into the net.
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“What’s funny is that before the game, while we were on the coach on the way to the game, I was sat next to Phil and we were scrolling through videos of Messi,” Grealish told ITV.
“After scoring [Foden] came up to me and said it was just like we were watching.”
City were made to work hard for their fifth-round win.
Peterborough, bottom of the Championship, should have taken the lead with the game goalless but Sammie Szmodics scuffed his attempt, and Jeando Fuchs was denied by Ederson.
