David Moyes: West Ham fans need to stick by Kalvin Phillips

David Moyes has backed Kalvin Phillips following the midfielder’s weekend clash with West Ham United fans and urged them to get behind the players when Tottenham Hotspur visit the London Stadium on Tuesday night.

Phillips has struggled to recapture his form following his January loan switch from Manchester City to the Hammers, and he gave away a penalty by fouling Anthony Gordon as West Ham blew a 3-1 lead to lose 4-3 at Newcastle United on Saturday.

Afterwards he was confronted by frustrated supporters as the team left St James’ Park and responded with a middle-finger gesture.

But Moyes said: “Kalvin’s a human being and can do things which we all do at times.

“What he needs is support behind him, people to help him and we’re going to stand with him and help him as much as we possibly can. Obviously we need all our supporters to give all our players, whoever it is, their support.

“I’m not wot worried one bit, no. His job is to play but we also want the supporters to get behind all our players. It really is important.

“Sometimes when people are not playing so well they need support and they need everybody to get behind them.”

Phillips’ form has been so indifferent that despite being one of Gareth Southgate’s regulars, he was left out by the England manager for last month’s international friendlies against Brazil and Belgium.

The 28-year-old was at fault for two goals in his first two appearances, sent off on his fourth at Nottingham Forest and was taken off at half-time on his last start, with West Ham 2-0 down at home to Burnley.

But Moyes still believes he can get a tune out of the former Leeds man over the run-in with West Ham still challenging for a European place.

“Let’s hope we can change his luck and his form between now and the end of the season,” added Moyes.

“The players have to show the manager when they get the opportunity. Kalvin Phillips is a really good player. He has not quite found it, but we hope that he will in the weeks and months to come.

“Kalvin is very much part of what we’ve got and we’ll continue to use him if we need him, that’s for sure.”