Two pundits slam Aston Villa as ruthless Leander Dendoncker point made
Latest Aston Villa news from BirminghamLive includes Match of the Day reaction to the Stevenage defeat
Aston Villa have been slammed for doing ‘nowhere near enough’ to kill off Stevenage before the League Two side mounted a late comeback at Villa Park.
Villa were on course to make the FA Cup fourth round for the first time in eight years thanks to Morgan Sanson’s goal, but drama gripped the closing stages in B6. Leander Dendoncker conceded a penalty in the 85th minute and was subsequently sent off.
Jamie Reid converted from the spot and Dean Campbell netted the winner for Stevenage in the 90th minute. Unai Emery’s Villa, who are currently 11th in the Premier League table, have now been dumped out of both cup competitions.
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Former Everton midfielder Leon Osman was critical of Villa’s display on Match of the Day last night. He said: "They did nowhere near enough. We're talking about a Premier League team at home to a League Two side.
“Aston Villa probably felt in control of the game, but they didn't go in search of the second goal. They had 732 passes but most of them were going to the side, there was no movement, no creativity.
“They probably felt comfortable being ahead but if you don't go for that second goal and don't make forward runs and allow them to stay in the game, they will become effective in the last 10 minutes.”
"It was Aston Villa's own fault. They were moving the ball side to side and passing it a little bit sloppy at times. They didn't do enough to go and get the second goal against League Two opposition."
Fellow pundit Nedum Onuoha, formerly of Manchester City and Queens Park Rangers, believes Villa gifted Stevenage their victory. "From what I saw in the game, I didn't think Stevenage would be able to break them down, so what do you not do? You don't give them a goal.
“They're in good possession, looked comfortable, and Stevenage pressed with 10 minutes left. Dendoncker tried to turn when somebody was on him and got the punishment that he deserved for the indecision. It's rash and I think the red card is the right decision. You shouldn't lose a match from being in a position of control 10 minutes ago.”
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