Kyle Walker returned to Manchester City’s starting line-up as his side succumbed to a 2-1 defeat to AFC Bournemouth on Saturday.
After his side’s 2-1 loss to Tottenham Hotspur in the Carabao Cup, Pep Guardiola claimed that Rico Lewis was the only player at Manchester City who cannot afford to be rested.
Guardiola said via HaytersTV: “Rico [Lewis] is the only player we cannot rest. We would like to rest but we cannot do it.”
As a result, Kyle Walker’s return to the starting line-up from his recent injury was a surprise to say the least.
The Manchester City right-back was tasked with the challenge of taming one of the Premier League’s most in-form left-wingers in Antoine Semenyo.
The Ghanaian international managed to score against City as he was one of, if not the best player on the pitch and proved to be a tough test for Walker.
Man City fans slate Kyle Walker after his display against Bournemouth
Semenyo was a threat throughout Saturday’s contest.
Manchester City fans were fuming at the 34-year-old’s latest showing.
Another Manchester City fan wrote: “Someone at Man City, please start packing Kyle Walker’s bag. I’m tired of this guy.”
“I’ve had enough man Thanks for everything Kyle but time’s up my friend.”
A Manchester City fan went as far as to claim: “I’d sell him in January.”
A Manchester City fan wrote: “[Antoine] Semenyo was good but Walker was totally rubbish today!”
Walker stats vs Bournemouth
It’s safe to say that City fans seem to be losing their patience with Walker’s displays this season.
The veteran was far from his brilliant best against the Cherries in what was a shaky defensive display from Manchester City.
Time and again, Semenyo seemed to have Walker’s number as well. Here are the six-time Premier League winner’s statistics from his outing against Bournemouth.
| WALKER STATS VS BOURNEMOUTH | |
| DRIBBLED PAST | 3 |
| GROUND DUELS WON | 3/9 |
| AERIAL DUELS | 1/4 |
| TACKLES | 2 |
| POSSESSION LOST | 16 |
| CLEARANCES | 0 |
The numbers paint a picture of how poor the decorated defender was against Andoni Iraola’s side.
Whether Pep Guardiola persists with Walker as his starting right-back against Sporting CP in the Champions League will be interesting to see.
Based on his latest performance, the former Tottenham Hotspur speedster might have played himself into a spot on the bench.
