Pep Guardiola hailed Kalvin Phillips' performance in his first 90 minutes for Manchester City, declaring he can now rely on his £45m signing.
Phillips has struggled with fitness and injury since signing from Leeds in the summer, and the FA Cup trip to Bristol City was only his second start for the club, and the first time that he lasted a full game. After some disappointing outings in previous appearances, Phillips was more like the player City signed from Leeds and earned praise from his manager at Ashton Gate.
With Rodri given a deserved rest, Guardiola had challenged Phillips to be himself before the game, but had warned that Phillips still isn't up to speed with City's system. At Bristol City, though, Guardiola was more positive.
