Aston Villa’s draw against Juventus was marred by controversy in the final moments as Unai Emery’s men were denied all three points.
Morgan Rogers sent the majority inside Villa Park into delirium when he finished from close range, as supporters celebrated what they thought was the winning goal.
Sadly, VAR intervened, and a foul was given after a challenge from Diego Carlos caused goalkeeper Michele Di Gregorio to spill the ball.
Unai Emery labelled the VAR decision as ‘soft’, as did Ollie Watkins, who explained how Champions League referees are different.
Aston Villa fans were left feeling angered by the decision and Gabby Agbonlahor has now offered his insight into the goal.
Gabby Agblonahor explains why Morgan Rogers goal was disallowed
The overriding verdict on the disallowed goal was that it should have stood, with Michael Dawson agreeing that the foul was ‘soft’.
Discussing the controversial moment on talkSPORT, Agbonlahor unsurprisingly felt VAR came to the wrong decision, although he did praise Juve’s keeper as ‘clever’.
Di Gregorio fell to the ground and then acted like he was hurt, which is why the goal was ultimately overturned.
Speaking to fellow broadcaster Alan Brazil, Agblonahor started: “It was never a foul, his hands were up.
Alan Brazil: “I thought he’d come out and missed the ball”
Gabby: “He’s clever though because if he didn’t pretend to be hurt on the floor they would have given the goal.
“He’s clever the keeper, missed it, let me lie down and pretend I’m hurt.”
The Italian shot-stopper did an excellent job of fooling the referee because if he didn’t pull off those theatrics, his side would have lost the game.
- READ MORE: Aston Villa player ratings vs Juventus, Morgan Rogers denied winner as one player gets 9/10
The bold change Unai Emery must make vs Chelsea
Following the goalless draw on Wednesday night, Villa have now extended their winless run to seven matches in all competitions.
It isn’t panic stations just yet, with Emery’s men currently 10th in the Champions League and three points adrift of fourth place in the Premier League.
That said, they’ll be dying to end their winless run sooner rather than later and the Spanish boss may choose to make one bold change against Chelsea this weekend.
Emery could axe Rogers after he lost possession 19 times against Juventus and had little impact from a left-wing role, aside from netting the winner that was chalked off.
Villa fans have called for Rogers to be rested after his poor showing in the Champions League, and perhaps Jhon Duran should now be unleashed alongside Watkins at Stamford Bridge.
Duran is yet to make his first Premier League start this term but playing off Watkins could make for a lethal combo as they aim to pull off a win over Chelsea.
