Man City duo Jack Grealish and Phil Foden warned by Pep Guardiola after night out in town

Guardiola tells Grealish to emulate Sterling with goal return

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Jack Grealish and Phil Foden were dropped by Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola after they celebrated the 7-0 win over Leeds with a night out last Tuesday. Both of the England internationals were on target in the thrashing before heading out in the city, much to the disappointment of their manager the following day.

It’s been a difficult start to life at the Etihad Stadium for the £100million man since his British-record transfer from Aston Villa earlier this summer.

Despite a goal against Norwich on his home debut, Grealish has found it hard to replicate the same levels of form that earned him the move to the Premier League champions.

Attacking competition is fierce at the club with Bernardo Silva and Kevin De Bruyne seemingly the only mainstays in the side.

Guardiola recently backed the “excellent” Grealish to come good and start delivering more goals.

The following day, the 26-year-old found the net in the 7-0 drubbing of Leeds.

However, The Telegraph are now reporting that Guardiola was seemingly unimpressed by the condition of both Grealish and Foden when they reported for a recovery session the following day.

As a result of their actions, both attackers were dropped from the starting XI despite their impressive midweek displays.

Now Guardiola has provided some clarity on his decisions, setting a precedent to the rest of the City squad.

“It was not rotation, no. I decided on this team because they deserved to play — these guys and not the other ones,” he said.

“At Christmas I pay a lot of attention to behaviour on and off the pitch. And when off the pitch is not proper, they are not going to play.

“We must be focused all the time because of distractions at Christmas and everything that happens. You have to still be focused.”

Thankfully, their absence did not matter as City romped to victory on Tyneside.

Goals from Ruben Dias, Joao Cancelo, Riyad Mahrez and Raheem Sterling extended City’s lead at the top of the table.

Chelsea and Liverpool could only manage a point on the road at Wolves and Tottenham respectively, as City went three points clear at the summit.

Both Grealish and Foden were left on the bench in a firm warning to the duo.

City return to action on Boxing Day when they host Leicester.

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