Ipswich boss left fuming as Kalvin Phillips sinks to new lows and costs side priceless win
Kalvin Phillips has endured a rotten couple of season since signing for Manchester City and the England midfielder endured another difficult afternoon in Ipswich’s draw with Leicester
by Daniel Orme · The MirrorKalvin Phillips cost Ipswich their first win of the season after being sent off against Leicester.
The on-loan Manchester City midfielder was named in Kieran McKenna’s starting XI for their clash with the Midlanders at Portman Road on Saturday. It was his seventh appearance of the season since signing for Ipswich in the summer.
But it soon turned into a nightmare for the England star. Phillips was somewhat fortunate to escape a red just before half-time as he attempted to challenge Facundo Buonanotte.
He elbowed the Argentine playmaker in the back of the head, receiving a yellow card in the process. VAR had a look at the incident but deemed the challenge unworthy of any further punishment.
Leif Davies looked as though he’d secured Ipswich victory with a stunning strike, only for Phillips’ dismissal to throw a spanner into the works. He was shown a second yellow on the 77th minute for a late tackle on Ricardo Pereira.
And that would come back to cost Ipswich as Jordan Ayew netted a 94th minute equaliser. The former Crystal Palace forward combined well with Jamie Vardy before slotting home.
It leaves Ipswich 18th in the Premier League table and one of two teams still without a victory - the other being Wolverhampton Wanderers. Speaking after the game, Ipswich goalscorer Davies had sympathy for his teammate.
He said: "If you're playing against 10 men then you get that momentum swing. I think he's disappointed it happened and in his head he probably thinks he needs to be cleverer but it happened.
"I'm buzzing that is my first goal but I would have been happier with the three points. We want to get points on the board. I was just in the right place at the right time. I've always wanted to score in the Prem.
"Everyone came in with clear heads and worked hard on the Monday morning after last week. We'll watch it back and improve."
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Meanwhile, Ipswich boss McKenna was left furious with the referee after the sending-off, while he also believed his side were worthy of a penalty. He said: "I said I thought it was a penalty and it had to be given live.
“He said he thought there wasn't enough. I thought it was clear. The second yellow card, of course when you look at it in slow motion and the balls bouncing on the edge of the box. I trust Kalvin. I don't think it's a wild one.
“I know you can slow it down but in the context of the game, the ball is bouncing on the edge of the box, and he pulls out the challenge. It's not a wild one."
Phillips’ red means he will now miss Ipswich’s next game as they continue their search for a win. The Tractor Boys travel to Tottenham next Sunday.
Phillips has two-and-a-half years left to run on his Man City contract. He was also sent out on loan to West Ham last season but endured a torrid spell at the London Stadium.
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