The Premier League is buzzing with anticipation as Everton prepare to face Aston Villa at Hill Dickinson Stadium on Saturday, September 13, 2025, with all eyes on Jack Grealish. The 30-year-old midfielder, now a star on loan at Everton from Manchester City, could achieve a career first by scoring or assisting against his boyhood club, a milestone that has eluded him in four previous encounters. Grealish’s scintillating form since joining the Toffees—racking up four assists in just three matches—has made him the focal point of this emotionally charged matchup, promising a spectacle for fans and a potential turning point in his remarkable resurgence.
Grealish’s journey back to Goodison Park has been a revelation. After struggling for consistent minutes at Manchester City, his season-long loan to Everton has reignited his spark. His flair and vision have transformed the Toffees’ attack, with standout performances in a 3-2 victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers and a win against Brighton, where he notched two assists in each. “I’m loving life as a Toffee,” Grealish posted on social media, his enthusiasm infectious. His form has earned him a nomination for the Premier League Player of the Month award for August 2025, and whispers of an England recall are growing louder. Facing Villa, where he rose through the ranks before his £100 million move to City in 2021, adds a personal layer to this clash. “It will no doubt be an emotional occasion for him,” one observer noted, reflecting on Grealish’s deep ties to the Birmingham club.
The stakes are high for Grealish, who has never scored or assisted against Villa in four prior appearances, despite being on the winning side three times. A goal or assist on Saturday would mark a career first, a poignant milestone against the club he once captained. Beyond this personal achievement, Grealish has a chance to etch his name in Premier League history. If he delivers two assists against Villa, he would become the first player to register multiple assists in three consecutive top-flight matches, following his heroics against Brighton and Wolves. “His return to form with Everton has been brilliant to see for football lovers,” a pundit remarked, capturing the excitement around his revival under manager David Moyes.
Everton’s attacking trio of Grealish, Iliman Ndiaye, and Beto has been a revelation, with Moyes praising their fluidity. “The biggest compliment I can say about Jack is that he’s even better than I thought he was,” Moyes said, crediting Grealish’s mentality. “It is nothing to do with me, it all to do with Jack and his mentality to do better.” This dynamic has propelled Everton to two wins in their first three matches, defying pre-season predictions of a mid-table finish. Grealish’s ability to drift centrally, exploiting spaces created by Beto’s physical presence, has been key, as highlighted by former manager Tim Sherwood: “Grealish obviously supplied Beto for the opener and his first of the Premier League season, but the way the 27-year-old uses his strength goes under the radar.”
For Villa, the match is equally crucial as they aim to maintain their strong start under Unai Emery. Players like Ollie Watkins and Morgan Rogers, fresh off England duty, will pose a threat, but Grealish’s familiarity with his former teammates could give Everton an edge. The Toffees’ fans, already enamored with their new star, are expected to create a raucous atmosphere, with one supporter noting on X, “Jack’s already won the I’m better than you battle before the match has even started.” His shirt-giving gesture to a fan after the Wolves win, nearly pulling him into the away end, underscores his instant connection with the Goodison faithful.
As Grealish prepares to face his past, the narrative is one of redemption and legacy. His move to Everton has allowed him to reclaim his status as a game-changer, free from the touchline constraints he faced at City. Whether he scores, assists, or simply dazzles, Saturday’s clash offers a chance to make history—both personal and league-wide. With the Premier League spotlight firmly on him, Grealish’s performance could redefine his career and solidify his place as Everton’s talisman. For fans, it’s a chance to witness a player in his prime, ready to “do something for the first time” in a match that promises drama, emotion, and footballing brilliance.
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