Kalvin Phillips slammed by Robbie Savage for his role in Red Star Belgrade’s goal… before Man City’s forgotten man makes amends by scoring penalty in 3-2 win
- Robbie Savage criticized Kalvin Phillips' mistake against Red Star Belgrade
- Man City eventually achieved a comfortable victory over the Serbian team
- How do you ask a celebrity on a crowded train to move away from a seat you've reserved? It all starts
Robbie Savage was critical of Kalvin Phillips and accused the Manchester City midfielder of allowing Red Star Belgrade to score in Wednesday's Champions League match.
City defeated the Serbian side with a 3-2 win despite having already qualified for the next round of the Champions League, with youngster Micah Hamilton scoring on his debut and Phillips handed a rare start by Pep Guardiola.
The Englishman has struggled for minutes this season, making just his ninth appearance of the season in all competitions for the reigning Champions League holders.
Savage insisted Phillips was to blame for not following the run of Red Star striker Hwang In-beom, who scored the first of the home side's two goals against City.
The South Korean winger found space at the back post and fired past goalkeeper Stefan Ortega to cut City's lead to just one goal.
Man City midfielder Kalvin Phillips was criticized by Robbie Savage for not following his runner against Red Star Belgrade
Phillips made a rare start for City in their final Champions League group match against Red Star Belgrade
Commenting on the match for TNT Sports, Savage said: “It's Kalvin Phillips not following Hwang's series. Yes.
“Phillips, when you play as that six, that defensive player, you have to go with the run. Look, Hwang escapes Phillips, and it's a great goal, he gets over the goalkeeper and goes through.'
Phillips has largely struggled to force his way into a starting role at Etihad since joining from Leeds for £45 million last year and is already considering his future at the club, despite signing a six-year contract upon joining .
He eventually recovered from the temporary loss of concentration against Red Star by scoring City's third goal after being sent to penalties.
Phillips ended the match in Serbia on Wednesday by scoring the winner from the penalty spot
Savage blamed Phillips' position after Red Star scored their first of two goals in the match
The 28-year-old made no mistake from 12 yards as he scored his first goal for the club, sealing a routine Champions League win.
Man City manager Guardiola recently apologized for not giving Phillips more regular opportunities.
Guardiola previously said: ''I don't know what will happen with Kalvin Phillips. He has a good character, I'm so sorry I didn't pick him.
“I'm visualizing my team and selecting a team and I'm having a hard time seeing it.”