Premier League matchweek 25: 5 most embarrassing performances

Matt Phillips’ tackle on Brahim Diaz

Bordering on the edge of shameful and embarrassing, this horrific tackle should be a stain on Matt Philips’ record for a long time to come. The West Brom midfielder made a lunging tackle straight to Diaz’s knee that could have ended the 18-year-old City player’s career. The fact Diaz dons the number 10 jersey gives the whole incident a cruel twist . You’d be hard pressed to find a clumsier tackle attempt with such ill intent among the long line of magicians on the ball who have worn the 10.

https://twitter.com/FootyScouted/status/958820228179353600

The Premier League has always prided itself on no-nonsense, aggressive tackling, sometimes bordering on savagery. However lunging yourself full force at an opposing player’s legs without any real hope of winning the ball shows not only an incredible amount of ill will but also a lack of soccer ability that is, frankly, embarrassing. In other words, Matt Philips, you played yourself.

And yes, that should have been a red card and a suspension. Embarrassing that it was not.