The 2009–10 season started very well for Wright-Phillips, setting up a goal for Emmanuel Adebayor in the third minute in a 2–0 win against Blackburn Rovers. Three weeks later against Arsenal, he set up a goal for Adebayor before scoring one for himself. He followed that up with a goal in a League Cup tie with Crystal Palace. He went on to score in three successive home matches against Burnley, Hull City and then Arsenal in the League Cup. He found himself in-and-out of the team under manager Roberto Mancini, with new signing Adam Johnson's form forcing Wright-Phillips to be a substitute in most matches, including City's match at his former club Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. He came off the bench to replace Johnson in the 60th minute and then set up Craig Bellamy's second goal in the 4–2 win. Despite his impact in the match, Wright-Phillips had not secured a place in the team. He started for City on the final match of the 2009–10 Premier League against West Ham at Upton Park, where he scored the equaliser in a 1–1 draw.