Gabby Agbonlahor has criticised Liverpool by claiming they ‘got away with one’ during their 2-1 win at Aston Villa on Tuesday night, as he told talkSPORT.
The former Villa striker added by saying ‘Liverpool struggled’ up front, and with Manchester City signing Erling Braut Haaland, the Reds need to act by bringing in a striker of their own this summer.
Jurgen Klopp was able to rest the Premier League’s top goalscorer – Mohamed Salah – and still come away with all three points as Sadio Mane netted the winning goal in the second half against Steven Gerrard’s side.
Villa did provide the Premier League title-chasers with a scare because the home team raced into the lead inside four minutes, only to be pegged back moments later, before Mane’s deft header sealed the points.
Despite Gerrard and his players leaving empty-handed, Agbonlahor felt his former side were ‘outstanding’ and seemingly deserved more.
“Liverpool have to act (to Man City signing Haaland),” said Agbonlahor. “They have to sign a striker because last night Liverpool struggled, for me. Villa were very good defensively.
“I thought it was an outstanding performance (from Villa) – that team was up for the game. Some very good performances. Danny Ings was on fire against his former club. He should have scored the header in the first half.
“I think Liverpool got away with one, to be honest. I don’t think there was much in the game.
“Maybe Klopp, he rested Salah and played Curtis Jones. He maybe saw it as an easier game than it was because it was a tough game for Liverpool.”
Gerrard will be bitterly disappointed with the defeat, but if Villa play with this level of quality and intensity next season, then they should fair much better in their European chase.
The Midlands outfit can’t feel too disheartened at the loss because Klopp is probably weeks away from guiding the Merseyside club to multiple trophies.
Liverpool will compete in the FA Cup final on Saturday, before facing Real Madrid in the Champions League final in a couple of weeks.
And they will also be hoping Gerrard helps them on the final day of the season because Villa face off against Manchester City.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
