Kalvin Phillips of West Ham is optimistic that his red card at Forest signals the conclusion of a streak of misfortune.

Struggling midfielder Kalvin Phillips is optimistic that his red card at Nottingham Forest signifies the end of a string of misfortune and is determined to kickstart his career at West Ham.

The 28-year-old has faced a challenging beginning at the London Stadium since joining on loan from Manchester City in January. His career had stalled after his 2022 transfer from Leeds United.

Following errors leading to goals against Bournemouth and Manchester United, Phillips was then dismissed in West Ham’s 2-0 loss at the City Ground after receiving two yellow cards within less than three minutes.

Phillips was eager for his move to West Ham to be a fresh start and is determined to make things right.

“They say bad luck comes in threes, so let’s hope I’ve had my three pieces of it and I can kick on now,” he expressed.

“I wanted this to be a fresh start, to really get my head down and go for it. It’s not gone as I would have hoped. Everyone can see that.

“But I know football. I’m experienced enough to know that if I get my head down and grit my teeth and do the basics right that things will turn.

“It’s easy to say, but now I’ve got to do it.

“There are certain things you need to do on a football pitch. OK, I was training with the best team in the world, but games get you sharper.

“You can train all you like but you are never going to really get match fit and match sharp unless you play games, do you?

“So, that’s the reason I’m frustrated and gutted.”

West Ham was behind after Taiwo Awoniyi’s first-half goal when Phillips received two quick bookings in the second half, the first for a tussle with Nicolas Dominguez and then for fouling Morgan Gibbs-White.

He attempted to talk to referee Thomas Bramall after the match but left the City Ground feeling frustrated.

“I’m annoyed with myself over the first booking. He’s got my shoulder and I’ve tried to push him off – perhaps next time I should kick the ball at him to make my point,” he reflected.