Gabby Agbonlahor reacts to controversy in Aston Villa v Newcastle – ‘How?’
Aston Villa secured a massive boost in their push for Champions League football next season, smashing Newcastle United 4-1 at Villa Park.
Ollie Watkins opened the scoring almost instantly with a shot that deflected off Fabian Schar into the Newcastle net, but the defender equalised soon after.
Ian Maatsen’s strike opened the floodgates, before a Dan Burn own-goal and Amadou Onana put the icing on the cake at Villa Park, sending the Villans sixth.
Gabby Agbonlahor reacts to Aston Villa controversy
Schar was thoroughly involved throughout the game, not just in both of the first-half goals.
The Newcastle centre-back also got tongues wagging in the first half when he clashed with Watkins in the penalty area, which led to calls for a penalty from the home end.
Jarred Gillett was not interested in giving anything for the coming together, despite contact being made.
It was not the first time that Schar had been involved with Watkins, with the Swiss international also dragging the striker down when trying to run through on goal, leading to a yellow.
Gabby Agbonlahor was certainly not happy with Gillett, feeling as though it should have been the end of the afternoon for the defender.
Writing on X (19 April), the Villa man said: “How’s that not a red?”
Aston Villa won’t be worrying about Schar
It was looking like a tight game between the two sides, and in such a big clash, with Champions League football at stake, you can understand why Villa were looking for something to be given.
Watkins proved to be a nuisance for the Newcastle defence, and within that, the away side were proving to be physical against the attackers they faced.
| Team | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost |
| Aston Villa | 33 | 15 | 10 | 8 |
| Newcastle United | 33 | 18 | 6 | 9 |
That being said, Agbonlahor and Aston Villa supporters will surely not be focusing on the call any more after running riot in the closing stages of the game and registering a massive victory.
Emery’s men were at their best, showing the attacking flair they have going forward and as each goal hit the back of the net, the confidence continued to grow for the home side.
With both teams pushing for a top-five finish, looking to secure Champions League football next term, this is a massive result and the right way to silence any decisions that may have gone against them on the pitch.
The pressure does not let up for Villa, who prepare to face Manchester City next in another game that will be crucial in the race for Europe before facing their FA Cup semi-final after that.
If Emery’s side shows the same levels they did today, though, they will surely be just fine.