Gabby Agbonlahor has slammed Gabriel Magalhaes after the Arsenal star struggled against Manchester City. He claims the centre-back sparks fear as he always ‘has a mistake’ in him.
The Brazilian left Agbonlahor astounded with his host of errors in Wednesday’s top-of-the-table Premier League fixture. Gabriel was at fault for Jack Grealish’s goal that restored the Citizens’ lead in the second half. He had also almost conceded a penalty whilst still at 1-1.
Referee Anthony Taylor initially pointed to the spot after Gabriel fouled Erling Haaland in the box. But VAR David Coote spotted the Norway sensation was offside in the build-up to the incident. So, Taylor overturned his initial decision to the huge relief of Gabriel and Arsenal.
Gabriel was fortunate that Haaland was offside in the build-up as the 25-year-old could not argue with the foul. The defender and striker tussled as they chased a long pass down the right flank. But Gabriel grabbed Haaland’s shirt as they entered the area and tangled legs.
Arsenal’s relief would only be short-lived, however, as another mistake by Gabriel handed Manchester City possession in a dangerous position. His loose pass fell kindly to Bernardo Silva, who released Haaland into space before playing the ball onto Grealish to fire home.
Agbonlahor does not forgive Gabriel for the Arsenal star’s Manchester City errors
Aaron Ramsdale may have stood a chance at saving Grealish’s shot without a deflection off Takehiro Tomiyasu. The right-back had also been at fault for Kevin De Bruyne breaking the deadlock. He played a careless backpass to his goalkeeper unaware the Belgian was close.
De Bruyne still had to execute a delightful finish to beat Ramsdale from range. Agbonlahor also forgives Tomiyasu to a degree for his error as Grealish had put the 24-year-old under pressure. But he does not forgive Gabriel for his errors as Arsenal lost to Manchester City.
“A lot of mistakes from Arsenal,” Agbonlahor told talkSPORT, “The first one, Tomiyasu, it happened. Grealish is pressing him and he does not see Kevin De Bruyne running through.
“It is Gabriel, for me, though. Every time you watch him, he is the one you always think has a mistake in him. Yesterday, the penalty that was not given because Haaland was offside.
“He got away with one, there. He wanted to fight and battle with Haaland and then gives away a penalty. Then the goal that Haaland scores – it is just poor defending all round; giving the ball away at times where you shouldn’t be.”
Gabriel, who Arsenal signed from Lille for £27m in September 2020, is a mainstay of Mikel Arteta’s line-up. He is the only outfield Gunners player to have played all 1,980 minutes of their 22 Premier League games. So, Arteta will hope he reacts at Aston Villa this Saturday.
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