Agbonlahor slams ‘awful’ Cooper after Leeds controversy
Liam Cooper made an “awful” mistake when he gave away a penalty for Everton’s opening goal against Leeds United, according to Gabby Agbonlahor.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the ex-Aston Villa and England forward insisted the club captain’s long-term position is not under threat despite recent criticism.
Cooper was adjudged to have pulled back Dominic Calvert-Lewin when a cross was fired into the box.
The incident was missed by the on-field referee but VAR awarded the Toffees a penalty that Calvert-Lewin duly converted.
As quoted by the Yorkshire Evening Post after the game, Cooper insisted it was the England international who initiated contact as he questioned the decision.
Asked for his assessment of the incident, Agbonlahor told Football Insider correspondent Connor Whitley: “It’s a 1000 per cent a penalty.
“Liam Cooper’s position was awful, you cannot be outside of the striker. You should always be the other side of the striker.
“He found himself in no man’s land and pulled him back, it’s a penalty. I don’t see why there’s an argument, it’s 1000 per cent a penalty.
“At the moment, he’ll be fine. He’s the only left-sided centre-back they have. Diego Llorente, Robin Koch and Pascal Struijk are all right-footed and play on the right. He fits in there perfectly and has got the history with the club.
“I think he’s the defender for now. Bielsa doesn’t look like he will be at Leeds forever and when a new manager comes in there will be different competition for places.”
Leeds signed Koch and Llorente last summer to provide competition at the back.
However, the pair have struggled with injuries and neither were in the matchday squad at the weekend.
In other news, a Leeds United star is “like a new signing” and could start v Crewe tonight.