Gary Neville thinks James Milner was ‘destroyed’ by Phil Foden during Liverpool’s 2-2 draw against Manchester City, as he told Super Sunday on Sky Sports.
The former right-back was on commentary duty yesterday and he feels Milner had a torrid time against the ‘brilliant’ young England star.
There was even anger, from Pep Guardiola, that Liverpool’s stand-in right-back should have been shown a second yellow card during the game.
During the first period, there were calls for Foden to be given a free-kick/penalty, when Milner seemed to have bundled him over in and around the box.
But the on-field referee didn’t see an issue with that challenge, even though there were cries from Foden, who tried him best to stay on his feet before his momentum took him down, to get a foul.
Neville made it clear that Milner was ‘clumsy’ during that moment, as he shared his thoughts on the battle between the two during the game.
“It was clumsy,” said Neville. “Well, it’s outside the box to start with. Does it continue inside the box? Oooh, it’s definitely foul. He has had a clip of his heel.
He added later on: “Foden has destroyed him down this side – even in this second half, what a player he is.
“The angle (for his goal) is just a little narrow. But what a strike. He just comes over a touch, James Milner. But it’s the power, accuracy and the brilliant Phil Foden – he is a joy to watch.”
That’s perhaps the big difference between Liverpool and Manchester City’s squad because one manager has to use a 35-year-old as a back-up right-back.
Whereas, Pep Guardiola can call upon a big-money signing to fill any gaps or issues he has.
Trent Alexander-Arnold was missing for the Reds because of injury and it would have been interesting to see how he would have fared up against his fellow countryman.
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