Jack Grealish couldn’t resist giving himself a cheeky pat on the back after firing home a comical late winner that sealed Everton’s 2-1 triumph over Crystal Palace. After a turbulent final year at Manchester City, Grealish has rediscovered his spark, and his trademark grin, under David Moyes’ revitalised Everton side.

New club, new energy – the rebirth of Jack Grealish

It’s safe to say the blue half of Merseyside is smitten. Since joining on a seaoson-long deal this summer, Grealish has been electric. Nine appearances, four assists, and now his first goal, it’s been a perfect redemption arc for a player written off by many as past his prime. His dazzling August displays even earned him the Premier League Player of the Month award, proof that the 30-year-old’s talent is still as sharp as ever. Moyes has handed him freedom on the left wing, and Grealish has responded with the kind of form that made him one of England’s most exciting players back in his Aston Villa days.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportThe winner that brought the house down

Sunday’s victory over Palace was pure theatre. With the game finely balanced at 1-1, a fortuitous Grealish popped up in the dying moments to rebound a misplaced clearance into the net – a moment of chaos that sent the Everton bench into raptures. Taking to Instagram, he joked: “Nah what a one-touch finish that was man!!! Unbelievable day that was for you the Toffees! What a group of lads well done my brothers.”

Left out in the cold by Tuchel – but Grealish won’t give up

Despite his resurgence, Grealish’s form wasn’t enough to earn him a recall to the England squad named by Thomas Tuchel last week. The Three Lions boss opted to leave him out once again, a decision that raised plenty of eyebrows among fans. But rather than sulk, Grealish has taken it on the chin. He revealed he’s already spoken to Tuchel about the situation and made it clear that his ambition to return to the national setup burns stronger than ever.

Grealish said: "First of all, you want to play well for your club, because that’s what we do every week. But, obviously, you want to be in the England squad. But I do understand it. I spoke to the manager there, and I understand that there’s a lot of competition, especially in that left-wing spot at the moment. Rashy’s [Marcus Rashford] flying, Eze, Anthony Gordon, you know, everyone’s doing so well. I can’t really complain, it is what it is. Hopefully, I can just keep performing and keep influencing games."

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Getty Images SportOn the road back to the top

With his trademark swagger back and the Hill Dickinson Stadium chanting his name, Grealish is fast becoming Everton’s new poster boy. Under Moyes, he’s become the heartbeat of the side, driving attacks, creating chances, and now popping up with match-winners. He may not be in Tuchel’s England plans right now, but if this form continues, that door will swing open again soon.