It's easier without Pep's 'shackles': Grealish wins his maiden EPL Player of the Month award

Jack Grealish has blossomed since joining Everton, and that's now an evident fact - an axiom, if you wish! However, some would argue that the Toffees had little to do with the Englishman's phoenix-like rise, pointing out Pep Guardiola's impact.

Because how else would one explain that the most expensive English player at the time failed so terribly with the Cityzens? Upon arrival from Aston Villa, his first two years were decent, but the following two were absolutely abysmal.

Many claim Grealish didn't have freedom under Pep. Many argue that the Spaniard was "suffocating" the midfielder's creativity, constantly breathing down his neck, and trying to "fit him into a mould".

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Hence, the majority's conclusion is clear: once the 30-year-old broke free from Guardiola's shackles, he shone again and showed glimpses of his days with Villa, when he was considered a genuine magician and one of England's most remarkable talents.

David Moyes was wise enough to give him the necessary freedom at Everton, and the Man City loanee at Hill Dickinson Stadium thanked him with four assists in three Premier League rounds - two against Brighton and as many against Wolverhampton. Most importantly, the Toffees won both clashes, improving their form after the disappointing first-round defeat to Leeds.

And Grealish's revival didn't go unnoticed, as he was named EPL Player of the Month! And for the first time in his career, believe it or not! At the same time, he became the first Everton player to win the prestigious accolade since Dominic Calvert-Lewin in September 2020!

Knowing Jack, this honour will give him a push and be a driving force for him to perform even better in the games to come.

As for the remaining awards for August, Liverpool's duo dominated, as Arne Slot was named Manager of the Month, while Dominik Szoboszlai won the Goal of the Month award thanks to his screamer against Arsenal.

PREMIER LEAGUE - MATCHDAY 4

Saturday

14.30: (1.40) Arsenal (4.60) Nottingham Forest (8.00)

17.00: (2.45) Bournemouth (3.50) Brighton (3.00)

17.00: (1.70) Crystal Palace (3.60) Sunderland (5.40)

17.00: (2.45) Everton (3.30) Aston Villa (2.95)

17.00: (2.00) Fulham (3.50) Leeds (4.10)

17.00: (1.45) Newcastle (4.40) Wolverhampton (7.50)

19.30: (3.60) West Ham (3.50) Tottenham (2.15)

22.00: (4.70) Brentford (3.85) Chelsea (1.80)

Sunday

16.00: (10.0) Burnley (5.50) Liverpool (1.35)

18.30: (1.75) Manchester City (4.20) Manchester United (4.60)

***odds are subject to change***