West Ham supporters were vocal in their criticism of Kalvin Phillips following his performance in the match against Burnley, where he was substituted at halftime.
Phillips, on loan from Manchester City, was part of a midfield trio with Tomas Soucek and James Ward-Prowse but failed to impress, particularly in the moments leading up to Burnley’s first goal. David Datro Fofana managed to slip past Nayef Aguerd and Phillips before firing the ball into the net, contributing to West Ham’s early disadvantage.
The team found themselves two goals down before David Moyes decided to make a strategic adjustment at halftime, replacing Phillips and Ward-Prowse with Edson Alvarez and Michail Antonio. This substitution marked the end of what was widely regarded as an underwhelming display from Phillips, who only managed to complete 22 of his 28 attempted passes.
Fans did not hold back in expressing their disappointment, with some questioning the diligence behind his transfer. Comments ranged from criticisms of his overall performance to doubts about his suitability for the England squad in the upcoming Euro 2024. One fan described Phillips as potentially the “worst-ever signing” for West Ham, while others called for his removal from the starting lineup.
Despite the frustration with Phillips, West Ham showed significant improvement in the second half. Shortly after the break, Lucas Paqueta scored, reducing the deficit and igniting hope for a comeback. The Hammers’ efforts were rewarded when Danny Ings scored a late equalizer, securing a 2-2 draw.
Reflecting on the match, Moyes acknowledged the sluggish start but praised the team’s second-half resurgence. He highlighted the importance of player pride and the role of fan support in driving the team’s comeback, emphasizing the need for collective enthusiasm both on the field and in the stands as they continue their quest for a European spot.
