Agbonlahor savages Pep Guardiola ‘mistake’ after Man City development – ‘he’s cost them’
Gabby Agbonlahor has insisted Pep Guardiola has tried to be “too clever” after leaving out Man City trio Aymeric Laporte, Ruben Dias, and Kevin De Bruyne against Tottenham on Sunday (5 February).
The former Aston Villa striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, suggested the City boss could cost his side again after team selection mistakes in past Champions League campaigns.
Man City fell 1-0 away at Tottenham on Sunday thanks to a first-half goal from Harry Kane.
Premier League top scorer Erling Haaland failed to record a shot on target or a touch in the Spurs box during the clash – a sign of City’s lack of potency.
The reigning champions remain five points clear at the top of the table after failing to capitalise on Arsenal’s loss against Everton on Saturday (4 February).
Guardiola’s side face Aston Villa on Sunday (12 February) before taking on the Gunners next week (15 February).
Agbonlahor told Football Insider’s Ewan Kingsbury: “I just think it’s really strange.
“He’s an outstanding manager, but everyone who watches the Premier League was surprised at that line-up.
“Rico Lewis is a really talented youngster, but he’s got to come in and out. It wasn’t the game to start him.
“Start your strongest team.
“Laporte, Dias, and De Bruyne have to be in that team.
“You’re chasing Arsenal, you need De Bruyne on the pitch. That was a mistake.
“Guardiola has cost them before in the Champions League against Chelsea and Lyon. He tries to get a bit too clever.
“Spurs will have been licking their lips when that lineup was released. They couldn’t feed Haaland all game.
“There was no need to complicate things.”
In other news, ex-Premier League referee “expects” Man City to be hit with new FA charge.