Gabby Agbonlahor calls out Villa star live on air, Unai Emery should not play again after awful display vs Newcastle. He’s had enough

Gabby Agbonlahor Tears Into Aston Villa Star on talkSPORT, Urges Unai Emery to Bench Him After Dismal Display Against NewcastleIn a fiery rant on talkSPORT, former Aston Villa striker Gabby Agbonlahor didn’t hold back as he dismantled Leon Bailey’s performance following Villa’s disappointing defeat to Newcastle United. The match, a 3-1 loss at Villa Park in the 2025/26 Premier League season, saw Unai Emery’s side struggle to maintain their early-season momentum, with Bailey coming under particular scrutiny for his lackluster showing.

Agbonlahor, a Villa legend with over 390 appearances for the club, was live on air with hosts Andy Goldstein and Darren Bent when he unleashed his critique. “Leon Bailey was absolutely dreadful out there,” Agbonlahor fumed. “He looked lost, no pace, no creativity—nothing like the player we saw tearing up defenses a couple of seasons ago. Against Newcastle, he was chasing shadows. Fabian Schar and the Magpies’ backline had him in their pocket from the first whistle. If I’m Unai Emery, I’m thinking, ‘That’s it, I can’t play him again right now.’ Bench him, let him reflect, and bring in someone with hunger.”

The defeat marked a rare home stumble for Villa, who had been riding high after a strong start under Emery. Newcastle capitalized on defensive lapses, with goals from Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon exposing vulnerabilities on the right flank where Bailey operates. Agbonlahor pointed out Bailey’s stats: zero key passes, lost possession 12 times, and a dismal 60% pass accuracy. “It’s not just one game; his form has dipped since last year,” Agbonlahor continued. “Villa are aiming for top four, maybe even Champions League spots again. You can’t carry passengers. Emery’s built a squad with depth—give Moussa Diaby or Jaden Philogene a run. Bailey needs to earn his spot back.”

Emery, known for his tactical acumen, has yet to respond publicly, but sources close to the club suggest rotation could be on the cards ahead of upcoming fixtures. Agbonlahor’s comments have sparked debate among fans, with some agreeing that Bailey’s inconsistency is a liability, while others defend the Jamaican international’s past contributions, including his role in Villa’s European campaigns.

This isn’t the first time Agbonlahor has called out his former club. As a pundit, he’s been vocal about standards at Villa Park, praising Emery’s transformation but quick to highlight underperformers. With the Premier League heating up, all eyes are on whether Emery heeds the advice and sidelines Bailey for the next match. Villa’s next test could define their season—will they bounce back, or will internal critiques linger?