West Ham United: Kalvin Phillips mocked on newspaper back page as Manchester City loan worsens
West Ham United midfielder Kalvin Phillips has been mocked on the back page of the Mail on Sunday as his loan from Manchester City goes from bad to worse.
The England international was a second-half substitute as the Hammers let a two-goal lead slip against Newcastle United on Saturday (30 March) to lose 4-3 and miss the chance to strengthen their European hopes.
Newcastle’s comeback coincided with the introduction of Phillips who failed to positively impact proceedings as he gave away a clumsy penalty and failed to close down Havey Barnes’ winning goal.
Following the game, David Moyes admitted the midfielder’s introduction didn’t work as hoped and the Mail on Sunday (31 March, back page) mocked the City loanee, writing: “Kalvin sub did not work, admits Moyes (you can say that again!)”
Will David Moyes complete a permanent West Ham transfer for Kalvin Phillips?
It’s safe to say Phillips has received his fair share of criticism since arriving at the London Stadium in the January transfer window and for the most part, it has been justified, but he was perhaps slightly unlucky at St James’ Park.
Whether or not his challenge on Anthony Gordon warranted a spot-kick is open to debate and he was one of many players who could have done more to stop the Hammers’ late comeback as several players in Moyes’ ranks flattered to deceive.
The worry for supporters and the West Ham boss alike will be that the England international should now be match-fit and up to speed, but he arguably looks just as off of the pace as he did when he arrived in East London.
Every Irons fan will want to see the Englishman succeed in claret and blue, but at this moment in time, it is clear that he doesn’t have what it takes to play week in and week out for the Hammers in the Premier League.
Any hopes of a permanent switch to the London Stadium are fading further and further away with each passing week.
In other West Ham news, Moyes has made his biggest hint yet that a new contract is on the horizon at the London Stadium
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