talkSPORT pundit Gabby Agbonlahor blasted by Everton fan live on air after comments about Aston Villa defeat
Gabby Agbonlahor was taken to task twice in one show on talkSPORT by an Everton fan who defended the club’s attacking play against Aston Villa.
The former Villans striker had called the Toffees’ “toothless” in his assessment of the 2-0 defeat at Goodison Park on Saturday (25 February), with Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s absence once again a key factor.
Neal Maupay, who did have a header cleared off the line by Tyrone Mings, came in for particular criticism despite the impassioned defence of the form under Sean Dyche by the caller, before the same fan got through a second time under a different name and the pair laughed off the disagreement.
Live on talkSPORT on Tuesday (28 February) a Toffees fan called in to tell Agbonlahor he was wrong for his criticism, saying: “Gabby, what are you on about lad? Everton were toothless on Saturday? What game did you watch mate?”
“A game Aston Villa won comfortably,” replied the former Villans striker.
After a back and forth over the merits of the play of late Agbonlahor was branded “embarrassing, mate” for using the term.
Laura Woods recited the stats from the game that suggested Everton had the better of the attacking play, and Agbonlahor said: “I don’t think they looked like scoring. Yes they had chances but going forward Neal Maupay’s not the answer.
“Get Calvert-Lewin back he’ll have more of a chance. But going forward, [Alex] Iwobi on the right, [Dwight] McNeil did well, but for me Maupay up front was toothless going forward.”
Misfiring
There is certainly an argument that Everton were as much unlucky as lacking in attack against Villa at the weekend, with Emi Martinez forced to make a few important saves.
The goal line clearance could have been the spark that Maupay needed to find some form, but nothing went in the home side’s favour in that regard and it was another blank.
Every time that happens the focus will remain on the reduction in the firepower within the squad over recent windows, with Richarlison and now Anthony Gordon not adequately replaced.
Maupay clearly hasn’t been a hit in a Blues shirt and, whether that is his fault or the tactics not suiting him, has seen him only score once since his move from Brighton.
Salomon Rondon was similarly goal-shy before his departure and Calvert-Lewin’s endless injuries have meant he has been anything but prolific for two seasons now.
Gordon chipped in a few at the start of the year but he had also gone majorly off the boil before his exit to Newcastle, so aside from the occasional contribution from Demarai Gray, who himself is now on the bench, there has been hardly any reliable goal threat since Richarlison went to Tottenham.
On any given day this side can create chances, and when the rub of the green is in their favour they can take them, but in the long-term it is unsustainable to have an entire squad where the top scorer in all competitions at the end of February has five to his name.