Pep Guardiola‘s men came into the encounter having already been crowned Premier League champions for the third season in a row after Arsenal’s defeat on Saturday against Nottingham Forest.
The boss made nine changes to the team, with Phillips coming into the starting team for the first time in the league season in place of Rodrigo in the holding midfield position.
Julian Alvarez struck the winner in the first half, with Phillips unlucky not to double the lead, as his superb header struck the inside of the post after the interval.
The Englishman was overjoyed after the victory. He said:
“It was a great feeling. When I came in this morning the manager told me I’m playing.
“I was happy to be honest, to play and to win the league the night before. I enjoyed every moment out here.
“I’ve tried to recover and be as fit as possible to be ready when called upon. Whenever I get a chance I try to do my best.”
The midfielder has missed large parts of the campaign with injury, but has praised his City teammates for their continued support and encouragement throughout the season.
“It’s been unbelievably tough,” he said. It’s been one of the lowest points in myself confidence wise in my career.
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“But the leaders in the group kept me going and told me I’ll get my chance and I did.
“I’m happy to have these guys here to keep pushing me and keep working me as hard as possible.”
