Gabby Agbonlahor switches off Aston Villa game in disgust, calls for change to be made
Gabby Agbonlahor had reason to complain at the officiating despite Aston Villa producing a stunning comeback against Brighton on Wednesday night.
The Seagulls raced into a 2-0 lead in the contest, thanks to Jan Paul van Hecke and a Pau Torres own goal as Unai Emery feared his five-match unbeaten run was coming to an end.
But the visitors responded in style, firstly through an Ollie Watkins brace on the stroke of half-time, before strikes from Amadou Onana and substitute Donyell Malen completed Aston Villa’s comeback against Brighton.
It was a win that moved Emery’s men into third position in the Premier League, only six behind leaders Arsenal ahead of their showdown on Saturday.
Gabby Agbonlahor rages over VAR during Brighton vs Aston Villa
A thrilling seven-goal clash at the AMEX Stadium wasn’t void of any dramatic refereeing decisions, as former PGMOL chief Keith Hackett felt Ian Maatsen should have been booked for diving in an attempt to win a penalty.
But further replays showed that Maatsen was tripped in the box by Carlos Baleba, and controversially, Andy Madley waved away claims of a foul.
At this point in the match, Villa were 2-0 down, and former striker Gabby Agbonlahor temporarily switched the game off in anger, while ordering the PGMOL to place former players on VAR.
“I switched over to another game and then switched back. There was a blatant penalty on Maatsen that wasn’t given,” Agbonlahor said on talkSPORT.
“This is the problem. We need to get ex-players into VAR because they’re getting it so wrong. Inconsistency is killing the game. They haven’t got a clue.”
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Aston Villa supporters inspired comeback win vs Brighton
Emery has instilled belief of the highest level into his players since becoming manager in October 2022, and that has transferred across to the stands.
The Villa fans could be heard chanting from the away end, even at 2-0 down, and the Spaniard has now praised the supporters for their continued devotion to the football club.
“They were here today, Wednesday, 7.30pm, travelling from Birmingham to be with us, to support us, to help us,” Emery told Villa TV post-match.
“They are very important because the players felt it, how they were pushing and helping us.
“It gives us a lot of motivation, as well to feel excited to try to share our wishes, their wishes, together, and their energy.”
Aston Villa can now send a real statement of intent at home to Arsenal on Saturday, as victory would put them three points behind.
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