Agbonlahor hits out at Joao Cancelo after Man City blow

Gabby Agbonlahor has claimed Joao Cancelo must improve the defensive side of his game after another high-profile error at Man City.

The former Aston Villa striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, claimed the 28-year-old could “cost” Pep Guardiola’s side if he continues in his current vein.

As seen on the BBC’s Match of the Day (5 November), Cancelo was sent off in the 26th minute for pushing Fulham star Harry Wilson over inside the 18-yard box to deny a clear goalscoring opportunity.

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RED CARD AND PENALTY Joao Cancelo is sent off for Man City – and Fulham are awarded a spot-kick#MCIFUL

— Premier League (@premierleague) November 5, 2022

Man City went on to win the game 2-1 after a last-gasp penalty from substitute Erling Haaland.

Cancelo was banned for the League Cup win over Chelsea on Wednesday (9 November) but will return for Saturday’s (12 November) clash against Brentford.

He made another high-profile error against Liverpool last month (16 October) when he allowed Mohamed Salah to steal in behind and score the winner at Anfield.

Agbonlahor suggested the Portugal international is given a pass for his gaffes because of his attacking ability.

He told Football Insider’s Connor Whitley: “I feel like that Cancelo is so good going forward that he’s forgetting how to defend.

“He needs to do better defensively.

“For me, it’s a definite penalty and a definite red card. It wasn’t shoulder to shoulder; it was shoulder to back.

“He’s got to sort this side of his game out because it could end up costing City.”

Cancelo, who has recently dismissed speculation linking him with Real Madrid, has notched two goals and five assists in 20 appearances this term.

He is under contract until the end of the 2026-27 season.

In other news, pundit backs Man City to win race to Rafael Leao after transfer update from Italy.

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