What a man, what a player
Jack Grealish displayed incredible maturity and leadership on Sunday afternoon as he led his beloved Aston Villa to a 1-0 win over Birmingham City, having been attacked by a home fan during the first half.
The 23-year-old was
punched from behind by an opposition fan, who has since been arrested. Grealish showed incredible restraint not to react and continue with his job, and dished out a large helping of sweet, sweet revenge as he
scored the winner in front of his adoring travelling fans.
The controversy did not end there, though, as one
steward guarding the away end appeared to be led away by police officers after treating Grealish - who had jumped into the away end - with excessive force.
In his post-match interview, Grealish described this roller coaster ride of a Second City derby as the 'best day of his life'.
Speaking to Sky Sports, Grealish said: "[It's the] best day of my life. To come here for the first time, captain Aston Villa and score the winner, it's what dreams are made of. Especially for me being an Aston Villa fan.
"I was just unaware at the time. I think we had a corner was it? Or a throw-in in the corner, and I was walking into position and felt a whack around the side of my face," Grealish said on the attack he suffered during the first half.
"Obviously there's rivalry in football and that but I don't think there's any place for that really. I just tried to get on with my job in the end and I think I did you know, I scored the winner and we've come away with three points."
His teammate, Conor Hourihane, was full of praise for Grealish and his excellent leadership.
"He showed his class today," Hourihane said.
"The banter between the fans, the singing and the antics is all great, there was a great buzz out there, but to have antics like that in the game is absolutely disgusting.
"Full credit to this man next to me, he showed his class, got the winner, had the last laugh and it's a fantastic three points for us."
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