Gabby Agbonlahor has taken to Twitter to aim criticism at Aston Villa players Philippe Coutinho and Emi Buendia after Steven Gerrard’s side failed to beat Nottingham Forest – despite the latter’s poor run of form, losing five in a row.
Indeed, Forest came into the game in woeful form. However, the atmosphere was slightly more positive after Steve Cooper signed a new contract until the summer of 2025. But, Forest took the lead, signing Emmanuel Dennis scoring.
However, they were pegged back pretty soon after. Veteran Ashley Young slammed home an effort from the edge of the area. The scoreline remained the same for the remainder of the match, despite Villa boasting more possession.
But despite dominating the ball, Villa failed to really test Dean Henderson. The biggest chances they had, really, were Ollie Watkins heading comfortably at Henderson – and Cameron Archer opting to head across the box, not at goal.
Taking to Twitter, Villa legend Agbonlahor criticised both Coutinho and Buendia. Gerrard opted to start with both, but Coutinho looked a shadow of the player he was at Liverpool. Buendia did very little to break down Forest’s defence.
Agbonlahor has criticism for Villa players Coutinho and Buendia
Coutinho looks very below par. Considering the type of quality of player he was at Liverpool, and then perhaps slightly less at Barcelona and even on loan at Bayern Munich. Now, he is performing at the lowest standard of his career.
Whether that is Gerrard’s tactics holding the Brazilian playmaker back, is up for debate. But Coutinho is being given the license to get between the lines, and create. He is not doing that at the moment. Gerrard needs to make a decision.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
