Aston Villa Boss Right to Slam Agbonlahor Detractors

Aston Villa chief Martin O'Neill is not one of my favourite managers, but he was well within his rights to vent his fury at Villa ‘fans’ after their negative reaction towards Gabriel Agbonlahor on Sunday.

Agbonlahor has been terrific this season for O’Neill, a fact that the Irishman acknowledged after the young striker was booed off in the 2-1 home defeat by Spurs.

O’Neill was upset at the catcalls Agbonlahor received after the striker failed to make an impact against Tottenham at Villa Park. Agbonlahor has netted 11 goals this season but only two since mid-December, and he was booed by supporters when replaced by Nathan Delfouneso in the latter stages.

O’Neill said: "Gabby has been fantastic for this football club and I am very disappointed with what happened when he was substituted. Ever since I have known him, two and a half years ago, he has been brilliant.

"He is going through a period where his confidence is low but I have got to tell you that is no way to treat him after what he has done here. I can put up with many other things but that was uncalled for and people have short memories. I've always said if you pay your money you can do what you want but that sort of thing doesn't help anybody."

O’Neill got it wrong last month when he played a weakened team in the UEFA Cup defeat by CSKA Moscow, but he always backs his players and he knows the young England striker will be a key man for club and country over the next few years.

Maybe the youngster is being made a scapegoat for Villa’s poor recent form—they’ve not won in seven games—but the Villa ‘fans’ who booed Agbonlahor over the weekend should hang their heads in shame.