In a pulsating Premier League clash at the Etihad Stadium on April 22, 2025, Manchester City secured a dramatic 2-1 victory over Aston Villa, thanks to a stoppage-time strike from Matheus Nunes. The win, a critical step in City’s quest for Champions League qualification, sparked celebrations among players and fans alike. Among those quick to laud Nunes’ heroics was teammate Jack Grealish, who took to Instagram to share his admiration for the Portuguese midfielder’s decisive contribution. Grealish’s message, a simple yet heartfelt reaction to Nunes’ post captioned “What it means,” underscored the camaraderie within a City squad fighting to salvage a challenging season.
The match was a rollercoaster of emotions for both sides. Manchester City, under the stewardship of Pep Guardiola, struck early when Bernardo Silva, rumored to be eyeing a summer exit, fired home in the seventh minute. However, Aston Villa, managed by Unai Emery, responded with resilience. A controversial penalty, converted by Manchester United loanee Marcus Rashford in the 18th minute, leveled the score and set the stage for a tense battle. As the clock ticked into stoppage time, City’s Jeremy Doku dazzled down the flank, evading Villa’s Axel Disasi before delivering a pinpoint cutback. Nunes, positioned perfectly at the far post, slotted home the winner, sending the Etihad into raptures. “What it means,” Nunes wrote on Instagram, capturing the weight of the moment, a sentiment Grealish echoed by liking and commenting on the post alongside teammates like Phil Foden.
For Grealish, the victory was bittersweet. The 29-year-old, who joined City from Aston Villa in 2021 for a record-breaking £100 million, remained an unused substitute against his boyhood club, marking his second consecutive game on the bench. Once a talisman at Villa, where he captained the side and dazzled with flair, Grealish has struggled to cement a regular role under Guardiola. Injuries, including a groin issue in February 2024 and recurring setbacks this season, have disrupted his rhythm. “Two or three setbacks in terms of injuries” have prevented Grealish from finding his groove, Guardiola noted, highlighting the challenges that have seen players like Nunes and Doku preferred in key moments. Despite his limited involvement, Grealish’s support for Nunes reflects his commitment to the team’s collective success, even as speculation swirls about his future at the club.
City’s triumph was a lifeline in a season marred by inconsistency. With only one win in their previous 13 matches across all competitions, the pressure was mounting on Guardiola to steer the reigning champions back to form. The victory lifted City to third in the Premier League with 61 points, four ahead of Chelsea in sixth, bolstering their chances of securing a top-five finish for Champions League qualification. For Villa, the late defeat was a gut punch in their own European aspirations, leaving them seventh and reliant on other results. Emery, visibly devastated, now faces the task of rallying his squad for an FA Cup semi-final against Crystal Palace.
Grealish’s journey at City has been a tale of highs and lows. His pivotal role in the 2022-23 treble-winning campaign showcased his potential, but a goal drought stretching over a year and just five Premier League starts this season have fueled talk of a possible exit. Some, like former Villa scout Bryan King, believe a return to Villa Park could reignite Grealish’s spark. “I believe Grealish himself would want to return to Villa,” King said, citing the winger’s deep ties to the Midlands club. Yet, with two and a half years left on his City contract and interest from clubs like Tottenham, Grealish’s next move remains uncertain.
Nunes, meanwhile, is carving out his own narrative. The £53 million signing from Wolves in 2023 has faced scrutiny but proved his worth with his fourth goal and ninth assist of the season. His versatility, including stints at right-back, has been a bright spot in City’s injury-riddled campaign, particularly with Erling Haaland sidelined. January arrival Omar Marmoush, who also liked Nunes’ post, has shouldered the attacking burden, declaring, “We Never Stop,” in his own Instagram message.
As City chase European glory and domestic stability, Grealish’s gesture to Nunes highlights the unity driving their fight. For a player whose “massive heart” and love for the game have been praised by peers like Lee Hendrie, moments like these—celebrating a teammate’s triumph—keep Grealish connected to the City project, even from the sidelines.