Manchester City fans have been reacting to the performance of Kalvin Phillips against Newcastle United in the Carabao Cup.
City are out of the competition, having lost 1-0 at St. James’ Park. City dominated the ball in the game, especially in the first-half.
But there was simply a lack of a cutting edge.
Newcastle stepped up hugely in the second-half, and it was Alexander Isak who grabbed the game’s only goal after a dangerous cross from Joelinton.
The result is disappointing.
But ultimately, many City fans won’t lose too much sleep about going out of a competition the club have had a lot of success in in recent years.
Tonight’s game was always going to be particularly interesting to see how Phillips would get on.
Pep Guardiola confirmed yesterday that he would be playing.
And it sounded as though that was always the intention, because Pep also said that Rodri would not have started had he been available.
Phillips has had a severe lack of minutes during his time at the club.
So this was a glorious chance for him.
But, arguably, he didn’t really make the most of his opportunity.
Phillips was simply OK. He was very safe in what he did. That said, he didn’t cover himself in glory for the Newcastle goal, with Joelinton just ghosting into the box with Phillips not really getting near him.
