Kalvin Philips has dropped another stinker of a performance as West Ham United surrendered a 2-1 first-half lead at St James Park to settle for a dramatic 4-3 defeat to Newcastle United.
It was a rollercoaster as the two sides locked horns in the Premier League matchday 29 clash. Aleksander Isak had opened the scoring for the home side through the spot in the 6th minute.
Michael Antonio found the equaliser for West Ham in the 21st minute before Mohammed Kudus scored in the stoppage time of the first half to complete a 2-1 first-half comeback for the Hammers.
Three minutes into the second half, the David Moyes-led side consolidated their lead. Jarrod Bowen scored in the 48th minute to make it 3-1
The visitors were set to cruise to victory before David Moyes made a substitution that changed the trajectory of the game, giving Newcastle United a sudden advantage over the away side.
Moyes took off Michael Antonio in the 69th minute for Manchester City loanee Kalvin Philips.
Eight minutes after coming on, Kalvin Philips committed a penalty which saw the hosts reduce the score margin to restore comeback hopes. Aleksander Isak made no mistake as he fired in again to bag his brace.
In the 83rd minute, the out-of-form midfielder was partly blamed for Newcastle United’s equaliser. While he could do little to prevent the goal, his weak attempt while marking Harvey Barnes allowed the player to steal his way and ripple the back of the net for the Magpies’ equaliser.
At the stroke of regulation time, Harvey Barnes scored again to complete a dramatic 4-3 comeback victory for the home side.
Kalvin Philips drops all-time stinker performance in West Ham’s dramatic loss
Kalvin Philips made headlines in the match for his lackluster show that led to the first two goals scored by Newcastle United in the second half. His substitution changed the trajectory of the game, allowing Newcastle United to strike thrice to overturn the game in the 20 minutes he was subbed on.
While an overall tactical blunder must have seen the Hammers lose their hold on the game, statistics showed Kalvin Philips’ blunders contributed immensely to the loss.
He managed just 13 touches of the ball, completed just four of his nine passes, made just one tackle, recorded no clearance or interception, and conceded the penalty that led to the equaliser.
Kalvin Philips unceasing match blunders at West Ham.
It is not the first time Philips’ errors have cost West Ham crucial points in a game since his loan switch to the club.
He had a nightmare debut appearance for the Hammers against Bournemouth in February 2024.
His attempted back pass was intercepted by Dominic Solanke who then nailed home Bournemouth’s only goal in the 1-1 draw with West Ham United.
Against Manchester United, Philips’ sluggishness saw him dispossessed by Scott McTominay who played in Alejandro Garnacho for United’s third goal.
Following the two disastrous starts, he was dropped to the bench in West Ham United’s subsequent games before returning to the lineup.
So far, he has shown no sign of improving his game with the Hammers. David Moyes has been a long-time admirer of Philips. The Hammers were ready to move for the player in 2022 before Manchester City snapped him from Leeds United for £42m.
However, it was a nightmare 18-month stint for the England midfielder at City. He managed only 16 appearances for the club and endured a lengthy spell on the bench.
Philips had hoped to return to top-level performance following his loan move to West Ham United and possibly earn a permanent move.
Now, his unceasing clangers may foreclose his chances of securing a permanent deal with a few months left on his loan contract.
