Manchester City fell to a first defeat to the new season yesterday – and Tony Cascarino has questioned why Pep Guardiola did not start Kalvin Phillips.
Phillips was handed a rare start by Pep in the Carabao Cup match against Newcastle United in midweek.
But it was not a particularly good performance from the England international.
All eyes were on City’s teamsheet ahead of the game with Wolves to see if Phillips would retain his starting berth.
But he didn’t, with Pep opting for Mateo Kovacic and Matheus Nunes.
Julian Alvarez and Phil Foden played as advanced midfielders.
Phillips will no doubt have been disappointed – and Cascarino has questioned Pep’s decision…
Tony Cascarino surprised Kavin Phillips was benched for Manchester City against Wolves
The game between City and Wolves was discussed today on talkSPORT, with Cascarino talking about the poor performance from visitors.
Currently, Rodri is suspended and so, Pep is looking to cover the Spaniard’s absence as best as possible.
He went with Kovacic and Nunes yesterday instead of Phillips, something Cascarino has questioned.
He said: “Are you allowed to criticise one of the greatest, if not the greatest managers of all-time?
“Gary O’Neil said after the game that Rodri missing was a big plus, he makes their team tick. So he’s out of the team. Kalvin Phillips is the best replacement for Rodri.
“Pep has chosen not to play Kalvin Phillips, and he’s played Kovacic and Nunes. Neither of them are holding midfielders. Kovacic wants to get on the ball and move it very quickly. But he’s nowhere near the tackler, I would say Kalvin Phillips is, or obviously Rodri.”
Phillips clearly did not impress Pep against Newcastle
After the defeat to Newcastle, Pep was asked what he thought of Phillips and he praised the midfielder.
But watching him on Sky, it was absolutely obvious he was simply saying that for the camera.
Watching the game, Phillips was extremely average, and did not cover himself in any glory for the goal.
So it was perhaps not a surprise to see the £150,000-a-week star back on the bench against Wolves.
Cascarino is suggesting he should have started yesterday. But sadly he just didn’t provide a strong enough case.
We will now see if he features at all against Arsenal. You would imagine once Rodri is back, it’s going to be much of the same for Phillips in terms of lacking minutes.
