ITV pundit Roy Keane expressed his sympathy for Kalvin Phillips during the Community Shield between Manchester City and Arsenal.
Pep Guardiola’s side lost the curtain-raiser on penalties.
Cole Palmer gave City the lead in the game with a terrific strike.
But the Gunners got back on level terms right at the death, when Leandro Trossard’s effort took a wicked deflection off Manuel Akanji.
Kevin De Bruyne and Rodri went on to miss their penalty kicks in the shootout.
There were signs of rust today from City.
But if anything, it will be a kick up the backside.
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All the usual suspects player today, but there was once again, no minutes for midfielder Phillips.
Roy Keane says during Community Shield coverage that feels for Kalvin Phillips
During the coverage of the game on ITV, Roy Keane gave a word about Phillips.
Phillips spent most of last season warming the bench for City.
And it was more of the same yesterday for the England international, as he failed to get any minutes.
Speaking at half-time about the arrival of Mateo Kovacic, Keane said of Phillips: “He must be worried. Pep’s given him one or two opportunities.
“But the few games I’ve seen him come on going back to last season… he just needs to speed things up. He’s sometimes just going through the motions.
“Really good player. And again, you kind of do feel for him. Some of these players they do need a run of games to get a bit of rhythm and they’re not getting it. Must be very frustrating.”
Phillips has a lot of work to do to become more involved for Man City
So another game, another no show for Phillips.
Keane is right – he must be very frustrated with his situation. And it must be even more difficult for him now with Kovacic having come in.
But Phillips, 27, has insisted on staying at the club.
And he must now show something that forces Pep Guardiola to pick him.
It would be brilliant to see it work out for him. But he’s seemingly still got plenty to do.