Manchester City's £100million man – hailed as a 'street-fighter' by boss Pep Guardiola – provided the clever 79th-minute assist for Kevin De Bruyne that sunk Leyton Orient in the FA Cup.
Grealish has made just 15 appearances in the Prem this season, failing to score a league goal
That could be the moment that kick-starts his season because he is pleased to see the back of the previous calendar year.
The highlights included becoming a dad to Mila Rose in September and winning another Premier League crown, which he celebrated in boozy, topless fashion on the parade.
The lowlights saw him struggle for form and spend more time warming a spot on the bench – he did not appear in the FA Cup Final defeat to Manchester United.
And then he was heartbreakingly omitted from Gareth Southgate's England squad for the Euros.
Grealish admitted: "Last year, the whole year itself, it was weird because my little daughter was born, but apart from that it was one of the most difficult years.
"Probably the most difficult year of my life for many reasons, on and off the pitch.
"I found it really difficult. It's a New Year now, and hopefully I can kick on from here."
This campaign he has mainly watched proceedings from the dugout, coming on as a substitute nine times in his 15 Premier League appearances.
Grealish, 29, said: "I feel like in my last few games that I played – against Crystal Palace, Salford and now here – I'm trying to be involved more in goals and assists.
"Listen, I want to start playing more often and have that rhythm.
"You know the way I was a couple of years ago when I was playing a lot of games in a row.
"I do find it difficult at times to come in and out of games, not really playing. Hopefully I can keep training well and play a few more games."
In the stadium underground car park post-game, Grealish was by far the most popular City player amongst the few Orient fans that were present and he obligingly stopped to talk, sign shirts and pose for selfies.
At times, his display on the pitch had been a frustrating one, because he had a tendency to cut back or inside, rather than try to beat his marker.
Grealish's year from hell comes despite him and partner Sasha Attwood announcing the birth of their first child
But his ball over the top for De Bruyne to finish was a moment of class that ensured City beat lower-league opposition in the Cup for the 18th time in a row – a tournament record.
Orient had taken the lead through Jamie Donley's wonder-goal and they were dreaming of a famous upset until the 56th minute when Rico Lewis's shot deflected off Abdukodir Khusanov's head for the equaliser.
This was a proper Cup tie – fans came early, some carrying tin-foil FA Cup cut-outs, and provided a cracking atmosphere.
Grealish was in his element, claiming that this type of tight ground brought him "back to my childhood".
Guardiola knows Grealish has had to be patient and bide his time but told him to keep fighting and battling for his first-team spot.
The Spanish boss said: "I'm really pleased for Jack. Jack has this sense of being a player of the street.
"Today most of the players are, for the manager, so academic – you have to do this, you have to do that.
"Jack is from…you know, to fight, in the stadiums when the people shout. He's a fighter.
"I want much more. This is the level I'd like to see from Jack. But it hasn't been like that.
"Clubs bring new players in every season.
"I don't have the same squad as when I arrived nine years ago or when we won the Treble or Quadruple or the 100 points.
"We have four, five, six players, not more than that. It's normal. Players have to understand that.
"No new contract makes a player better. It's the competition in the locker room and on the pitch that makes the players better. They have to feel that.
"It's okay. Accept the challenge, prove you're the best. Today I saw that glimpse: 'I want to rebel, I want to show the manager how wrong he is.'"
The Norwegian striker, 25, is preparing for Saturday lunchtime's tasty-looking clash with Tottenham - with both teams fresh from big wins in the opening weekend.Erling Haaland arrived at Man City training in his new £350,000 FerrariHaaland's new £350,000 Ferrari 12Cilindri can reach a staggering 211mphHaaland cruised into training ahead of Man City's clash with Spurs on SaturdayAnd Haala...
Paxten Aaronson completes blockbuster Colorado RapidsPaxten Aaronson has officially joined the Colorado Rapids from the Bundesliga's Eintracht Frankfurt after a breakout season on loan at UtretchPaxten Aaronson has completed a $7 million move to Colorado, the club announced Thursday afternoon. The USMNT midfielder has penned a five-year contract, and will occupy a designated player spot for the Ra...
Garnacho broke cover as he waits for an Old Trafford exit, with Chelsea eyeing a move for the bomb squad member.Garnacho was seen with two mystery brunettes in publicOne of the women accompanying Garnacho appears to be a Spanish influencer by the name of LauriShe has over 50,000 followers on InstagramThe 21-year-old was frozen out by United boss Ruben Amorim following his strop at being dropped fo...
MANUEL UGARTE has been spotted with his new partner, Georgia May Heath, the ex-girlfriend of Ugarte's former PSG teammate, Kylian MbappeManuel Ugarte was pictured in public with his new girlfriend for the first time after they went grocery shopping at Waitrose.Manuel Ugarte has been spotted out and about with his new girlfriendUgarte and Georgia May holidayed in Spain in the summerGeorgia May used...
The Barcelona star, 18, stepped out with Argentine musician Nicki Nicole to celebrate her 25th birthday.Lamine Yamal has gone public with girlfriend Nicki NicoleShe is a rapper who hails from ArgentinaThe pair appeared smitten as they posed for photos together.The couple clasped hands while cracking smiles for the camera.And Yamal showed his loving side as he slipped a hand around Nicole’s w...
Rio, 46, and Kate, 33, have officially moved to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) moving from Bromley, South East London.Rio and Kate Ferdinand have moved to DubaiKate announced their move on Instagram and showed off their new homeThe family posed for sweet snaps to commemorate the moveKate took to her Instagram account to share a series of photos of their new life in the sunny Gulf state.The first s...
Lamine Yamal has announced his romanceBarcelona sensation Lamine Yamal appears to have settled down after confirming he's in a relationship.The Spain star hit the headlines in the summer after allegedly dating, and annoying, two adult star models. While his 18th birthday party also made waves after controversial claims about him hiring dwarves as entertainment and inviting models based on physical...
Ana Maria, 25, has impressed on the pitch as well as being lauded as the 'world's most beautiful footballer'.Ana Maria Markovic has signed for Brooklyn FC in the USL Super LeagueAna Maria joins the club alongside her sister KikiNow her on-field efforts have earned her a move Stateside after spending her entire career to date playing in Europe.Ana Maria has joined USL Super League team Brooklyn FC....
Glam footballer Gabriella Howell has admitted she's "falling in love" after watching Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday lunchtime.Spurs stunned a lacklustre Manchester City away from home as they moved to the summit of the Premier League table. Brennan Johnson and Joao Palhinha both found the net, leaving Pep Guardiola ripping up his tactics book.And Gabriella, who is a massive Tottenham fan, took to s...
BBC presenter Emma Louise Jones is no stranger to putting on a breathtaking display.But her latest get-up saw her suffer an unexpected wardrobe malfunction at a public event.The veteran presenter donned a flowy white dress with polka dots for a day out at York Races.Emma, 34, gave her 424,000 Instagram followers a glimpse at her stunning outfit before heading out for the day.She said in the clip: ...
- 1 Ruben Amorim gives cryptic response when asked about Andre Onana returning to starting XI for Fulham clash after Altay Bayindir blunder handed Arsenal victory
- 2 'Victory Bodes Well for Future' – Gasperini Delighted with Roma’s Opening Day Win
- 3 TIPS - Eintracht Frankfurt VS Werder Bremen
- 4 Transfer rumors, news: Arsenal could turn to Lyon's Fofana
- 5 Antony’s Man United Exit Hopes Rest on Fresh Real Betis Bid Within 'Next 24 Hours'
- 6 TIPS - Cerezo Osaka VS Vissel Kobe
- 7 TIPS - Gamba Osaka VS Yokohama FC
- 8 TIPS - Schalke 04 VS VfL Bochum
- 9 TIPS - Sunderland A.F.C. VS Huddersfield Town A.F.C.
- 10 TIPS - Olympique de Marseille VS Paris FC