Play all audios:
GABBY AGBONLAHOR CLAIMED ASTON VILLA HAD A BETTER SEASON THAN ARSENAL DESPITE THEM MISSING OUT ON CHAMPIONS LEAGUE QUALIFICATION 11:25, 31 May 2025 Aston Villa favourite and talkSPORT
co-host Gabby Agbonlahor has compared the Villans' season to Arsenal's campaign and given the nod to his former club. In an analysis that saw him look at the performance of several
Premier League sides — the former England international broke down the recent campaign. Both Villa and Arsenal fell victim to Paris Saint-Germain in this season's Champions League with
the French giants taking them out in the quarter-finals and semi-finals, respectively. On home soil, Unai Emery's side finished sixth in the Premier League and were one of the last
four teams in the FA Cup competition before bowing out. However, even though Villa managed to secure a third consecutive European experience, they will compete in the Europa League during
the next push. The development came after the side finished below Newcastle on goal difference after a final day defeat to Manchester United. Agbonlahor, who played over 300 games for Villa,
said his previous club had a memorable Premier League campaign as he told talkSPORT Drive: "So Aston Villa finished in sixth position. Missed out on Champions League on only goal
difference and a refereeing howler. "Got to the semi-finals of the FA Cup. Unfortunately, coming off (worst) against the winners, Crystal Palace, very strong team. Also an outstanding
Champions League run. Some great results. I think after four games, hadn’t conceded a goal. So, I’m going to give Aston Villa a 'B'." The former Villa forward went on to
explain his decision as he added: "Chelsea will see this season, so will Spurs, playing in the Champions League and then going sometimes three days later takes a lot out of the players.
To still finish in sixth place, to miss out on goal difference and the decision that cost you, the refereeing decision, I think Aston Villa had a very good season." Meanwhile, the
Gunners finished second in the Premier League for a third consecutive season — with Mikel Arteta's team once again missing out on silverware. Article continues below "Semi-finals
in the Champions League, zero trophies again under Arteta. Spent £100million last transfer window. I’m going to give Arsenal a 'C'," said Agbonlahor. He was challenged by
co-host Andy Goldstein who queried that Villa had finished lower than last season, which saw Agbonlahor respond: "I’m going off this season and also I’m judging these clubs and managers
off Arsenal’s standards as well. Arsenal should be getting to the semi-finals in the Champions League. They should be winning the Premier League. They’re not, they’re missing out."