At half time yesterday I tweeted 'We have had the lion's share this half and our passing number should be good but final ball has let us down too many times' and today, after looking at the stats, I think I can say that in this game we passed the ball more than in any other game this season - we just lacked something.

I didn't say it yesterday, but quite a few did in the comments after the match and I think I can confidently say that the general consensus is we need a striker with a little bit of a fire in the his belly.

What the Papers Say

Jason Burt, Telegraph
A goalless draw; a point apiece. But the psychological effect on the two clubs could not have been more contrasting. And the physical one.

Phil Shaw, Independent
West Ham are scarcely renowned for defiant rearguard actions, but outstanding goalkeeping by Robert Green and resolute defending earned the point that lifted them out of the relegation zone.

Stuart James, Guardian
Booing could be heard at the final whistle but in the far corner of the stadium the travelling supporters rejoiced.

Bottom line; Villa failed to capitalise and it was a frustrating afternoon.

The Manager

Martin O'Neill
I thought their effort was terrific. We got a wee bit tired in the last 10 or 15 minutes as we tried to force it. The game really opened up. West Ham caused us a few problems on the break, which I anticipated anyway.

Considering we played in a semi-final on Thursday night, I thought it was a terrific effort from the team. We were unable to score a goal. But it was a big, big effort.

If Martin O'Neill is going to persist in talking about tiredness then his players are going to actually believe they are tired and for the life of me, he has to start using the bloody bench. We don't know how much we paid for Fabian Delph but he was on the bench for 90 minutes yesterday, willing to come on and give someone a little break.

I mean, how is he going to get any experience if the manager who paid so much money for him doesn't really have that much confidence in him to come on and change a game? I understand the need to bring them in slowly, but what we are seeing is too slow. Look to how often Moyes played Rooney. If he is that good, he will come good. Same could be said for Delf and Albrighton.

Tiredness would be a good excuse in the first season, but not in January in your fourth season after just having an extended break. I mean, how would we cope if we had European football to contend with and surely then we need to strengthen in this transfer window so we can deal with the FA Cup or are we just going to wing it?

The Players and Some Stats

Brad Friedel, Ricardo Dunne, King Carlos, Stephen Warnock, James Collins, Stewart Downing, Webcam Young, James Milner, Stiliyan Petrov, Gabby Agbonlahor, Emile Heskey (John Carew, 57).

35,646 visited Villa Park yesterday to see Aston Villa make a whopping 406 passes, of which 321 were successful. Those passes created 16 corners and 18 shots. I think those that were calling for a striker, might have something.

Man of the Match

Stewart Downing gets his first for us with 31.1% of the vote and as the game was generally quite frustrating yesterday, I'm going to leave it here. This really could have gone to anyone.

Final Analysis

At the end of the day, I think Gabby is good enough, I really do but I think we need a player to play in the hole behind Gabby and in front of our midfield four. Call it the Steven Gerrard type role or the Robbie Keane type player. Maybe James Milner could fill it or maybe we need to go out and get a Robbie Keane type player, just a few years younger.

However, I also agree with some, that as of right now, Gabby needs to be benched. For the life of me, I don't know how a professional football player can get physically tired, even if they were to play two competitive matches a week the whole year, but I can understand how they could get mentally tired and Gabby looks mentally tired.

When Liverpool came to Villa Park recently and that opportunity presented itself to Torres, he did what was necessary. Yesterday, Gabby didn't and that for me is the difference in quality. Torres, presented with one opportunity to get all three points, was mentally able to do it. Gabby wasn't.

I am not even going to touch on the crossing as it was there for all to see and maybe, if we had someone else in the box, he might have gotten on one or two in the goal, you just don't know, but maybe had Nathan Delfouneso, a fresher player, gotten on the end of that opportunity with moment to go, the game would have been over. You just don't know.

At the end of the day, I'm not as unhappy as I was yesterday as we created the chances, possession was better and we passed the ball around a lot more. I want to see more of it and if we keep doing it better like this and bring in a player or two to strengthen our starting eleven, you never know, it could be all that is needed. It could be.

Comments (104)

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Chrisodon said:

... Our strikers couldn't score in a brothel and that's what cost us, and will continue to do so. But on to the 2nd leg now.

Comment 1, made on January 18, 2010 at 9.23 am

James Clift said:

... Yesterday only showed once again how desperate we are for a prolific striker but what will MoN & Lerner do about it? Sod all.

Comment 2, made on January 18, 2010 at 9.27 am

Andi said:

... Gabby didn't and that for me is the difference in quality. Torres, presented with one opportunity to get all three points, was mentally able to do it. Gabby wasn't. Might be being a bit harsh but HAS HE EVER been able to do it ?? I mean sentiment to one side yes his villa, yes he lived by the ground, yes he is local boy but come on we want fourth we want all these greats can GABBY get us them ?? He wants to be in ENGLAND team, he wants to be in VILLA team but when your a striker and your not scoring even though you have the opportunities to do so when do you say ENOUGH IS ENOUGH ??

Comment 3, made on January 18, 2010 at 9.28 am

BillyBoy7 said:

... I dont think Gabby is good enough, he works very hard, cant think of another forward who nruns as much to be honest but his finishing is terrible, maybe it'll get better, if he was a good finisher he'd be worth 20 million+!!! But at the time he had that chance late on he should'nt have been on the pitch, it needed changing, Delfonso should have come on after 75 mins just for fresh legs, liven it up because u could see we weren't gonna score!! i say we sign a top striker but i've been saying that for 29 years!!!!!

Comment 4, made on January 18, 2010 at 9.33 am

RAB said:

... My god - I actually agree with Damian. 3 things are needed at Villa Park asap 1. A proven goalscorer 2. A creative player in Centre Midfield 3. The squad/bench players to be used - When will Delph get a chance?

Comment 5, made on January 18, 2010 at 9.37 am

mikey18 said:

... There was a lot of gabby bashing yesterday and i hope is was just out of frustration and not ignorance! Gabby is a top striker and is still only 23, which is very young. Yesterday he created one or two chances out of nothing. Yes he isn't the finished article but his finishing will improve, his decision making will improve he will get better with experience and in a competitive environment. Heres some stats, When jermaine defoe was 21 he was at tottenham 2004-2008. in those four years he scored 43 goals in 139apps. Gabby was 19 in his debut season between now and 2005 he was scored 40 goals in 140 apps. He is also the 3rd highest scoring player on opta stats behind drogba and fabregas.

Comment 6, made on January 18, 2010 at 9.37 am

Andi said:

... Chiefy, Gabby is a really good player, but he is having a blip like many strikers do is he though ? honestly ? ok he is fast and that scare defenders and he can now hold the ball up but his scoring record is nothing to write home about is it ??

Comment 7, made on January 18, 2010 at 9.38 am

Damian said:

... RAB i must say i felt slightly offended when i read that - surely you must agree with me all the time, even if you don't like what i write? that was a joke for anyone else reading this

Comment 8, made on January 18, 2010 at 9.38 am

Andi said:

... Gabby is a top striker and is still only 23, which is very young does gabbys stats stack up against Rooney, Crouch, Defoe, Ian Wright, Lineker, Shearer, Cole ?? i compare him to england players as this is his goal to go to the world cup if his stats stack up against the list above i will take it back if they dont i rest my case

Comment 9, made on January 18, 2010 at 9.41 am

Andyb said:

... I think the biggest indictment on Gabby from the game was when Green messed up under pressure from Carew and the ball fellto Gabby 25 yards out with noone in the goals and shooting wasn't even on his agenda. Any true goalscroing striker would have shot at an open goal first time. I think you'll find if we can get a true goalscorer to play alongside Gabby he will improve as the pressure and focus of opposition defences won't be on him alone.

Comment 10, made on January 18, 2010 at 9.41 am

Tim Hillman said:

... I am going to the game against Brighton on Saturday and I am really looking forward to seeing Delph and Delfounso getting a run out. Will be refreshing to see them have a game instead of the 11 usual suspects. MON to me seems scared to upset the applecart and sub the untouchables. I hope Delfounso scores again on Saturday which would mean MON ould have to give him more of a run in the league. The game yeasterday was calling out for a clinical finisher. If Carlton Cole was on the pitch I think we would have lost.

Comment 11, made on January 18, 2010 at 9.42 am

Damian said:

... Chiefy i put it down to mental tiredness - because like i said, i cant believe they can be physically tired with the doctors, sports scientists and facilities available to the club these days maybe - they just need to rejuvenate gabby somehow or maybe the strain of three children is too much for him and they need to get him a nanny or something .. there is something and he needs to get his head back on

Comment 12, made on January 18, 2010 at 9.42 am

Andi said:

... When jermaine defoe was 21 he was at tottenham 2004-2008. in those four years he scored 43 goals in 139apps. Gabby was 19 in his debut season between now and 2005 he was scored 40 goals in 140 apps like for like when gabby was 21 ??

Comment 13, made on January 18, 2010 at 9.42 am

Dagenham Dave said:

... "Lucky to leave with a point" You boys are getting as bad as theose Spurs mugs if you honestly believe that

Comment 14, made on January 18, 2010 at 9.43 am

Hammertime said:

... Talking as a Hammer, "I feel your pain" would seem to be the best comment. Villa were strangely flat yesterday. You have so many players who flatter to deceive: You have Young, Agbonlahor, Downing and Milner all of whom can win a game on their own. Personally, I've never rated Downing - looks great but can't cross to save his life. Young is much the same but petulant with it. I always want to see the other two in the England team and rate Milner very highly but they always seem to disappoint me. Very exciting but no end product is the best I can say. I still think Milner will make it though. But yesterday they simply didn't turn up - fair weather players. I've always been a Heskey fan but he's beginning to look past it. Carew is a great target man and would start for me. But I wouldn't swap either of them for Carlton Cole. The match - yes, you had lots of possession but did nothing with it against a defence that isn't exactly watertight. That's only the second clean sheet in twenty games. Then when we were forced to bring on fresh legs and became more attacking, you actually looked likely to lose if anything. Come on Villa. I want to see a strong finish from you to challenge the "big clubs" but you're going to have to play a lot better than that. John

Comment 15, made on January 18, 2010 at 9.45 am

Matthew Smith said:

... Unfortunately I wasn't at the game yesterday but I did get to watch the game on Sky. For those fans who booed at the final whistle, you should be ashamed of yourself. Don't get me wrong, I was equally frustrated with the result and I, like most on here, question some on MON's decisions from time-to-time. We totally outplayed the hammers yesterday, creating 18 shots; we hit the post, Rob green pulled off a couple of class saves, we had the ball in the back of the net but big JC was just offside and some of their defending was nothing short of suicidal. Jesus, if Petrov was about to half-volley from point blank range I'm not sure I'd want to get myself in the way! My point being is that everyone is raging at MON because he didn't 'go for it', what if he had have replaced a midfield player with JC and stuck 3 strikers up-front and we ended up losing? Then there would be hell to pay... Truth of the matter is we were creating plenty of chances with the formation and personel, it was just one of those days where we couldn't get the ball past rob green. But booing at the final whistle?! We've got a massive game at home on Wednesday night, and I tell you one thing, if our players aren't up for it then I'm blaming those who booed. You should be hanging your heads in shame this morning. I'm so very proud of my football club and you should be too. Get behind the players, get behind MON and stop this wallowing in self pity. If you want overnight soul-less success then go support Chelski or Man City.

Comment 16, made on January 18, 2010 at 9.48 am

Andi said:

... But booing at the final whistle?! We've got a massive game at home on Wednesday night, and I tell you one thing, if our players aren't up for it then I'm blaming those who booed. You should be hanging your heads in shame this morning. I was there in the HOLTE and i didn't hear any booing ? was there booing if there was that is stupidity what does that achieve ? not sure it was booing though think it was more of groans, i farted at 90mins so ??

Comment 17, made on January 18, 2010 at 9.52 am

Keith said:

... Jeddy "But booing at the final whistle?! We've got a massive game at home on Wednesday night, and I tell you one thing, if our players aren't up for it then I'm blaming those who booed. You should be hanging your heads in shame this morning." Don't come on here talking sense.

Comment 18, made on January 18, 2010 at 9.53 am

Andi said:

... Come on Villa. I want to see a strong finish from you to challenge the "big clubs" but you're going to have to play a lot better than that from a hammer, fair ply

Comment 19, made on January 18, 2010 at 9.54 am

mikey18 said:

... Chiefy that is ignorant , because heskey seems to be england first choice and he is excellent compared to him. Crouch and defoe are 28 and 27 respectively, They are in the prime of their careers. Rooney and shearer are/were some of the best players in the world and i agree gabby isn't half the player. Ian wright cole rooney crouch and to some extent defoe have all played in better teams which assists goal scoring.

Comment 20, made on January 18, 2010 at 9.55 am

adam said:

... the booing was bad. it was a frustrating game and we need a decent striker but the lads tried to win the game so no need for booing

Comment 21, made on January 18, 2010 at 9.59 am

Andi said:

... Rooney and shearer are/were some of the best players in the world and i agree gabby isn't half the player. Ian wright cole rooney crouch and to some extent defoe have all played in better teams which assists goal scoring. we want to be fourth and gabby wants to be in england team so should he not be as good as rooney and sheaer ????? played in better teams who assisted in goal scoring ??? arguably one of the most attacking and young up and coming midfields in the premier league how much help does he want ??

Comment 22, made on January 18, 2010 at 10.00 am

rocky marciano said:

... and I tell you one thing, if our players aren't up for it then I'm blaming those who booed. You should be hanging your heads in shame this morning." well i`ll be blaming mon. agree about so called booing if its true its a joke really. if the team aren`t up for it wednesday then the manager takes the blame for his pathetic attempts at squad rotation.

Comment 23, made on January 18, 2010 at 10.01 am

Andi said:

... Chiefy that is ignorant why because i dont have my gabby glasses on ?? its true he isnt as good as his hype with out his pace would he be as good ?? with out his pace would he be as dangerous ??

Comment 24, made on January 18, 2010 at 10.03 am

Adrian Kilgallon said:

... with out his pace would he be as dangerous ?? Without his pace he would not be a professional footballer.

Comment 25, made on January 18, 2010 at 10.07 am

Chris Harper said:

... I think the booing was towards the ref because he was nothing but a fat tw@! Gabby is doing ok, yeah he had a bad day in front of goal but all forwards do every now and again. Stats don't lie (ask Damian) and Gabby is doing well in the Actim index. http://www.premierleague.com/p...06,00.html http://www.premierleague.com/page/ActimIndex Think people are overreacting just a little.

Comment 26, made on January 18, 2010 at 10.07 am

Darren said:

... I've had enough of JC and Heskey, swap both of them with Wigan for Rodellaga, buy Babel and take a punt on Victor Moses. Gabby needs to be dropped he is far to comfortable with his selection. Everyone says it and I agree the Fonz deserves to play, use him for 20/30 minutes as sub consistantly for the rest of the season. Got exactly wat we deservrd yeserday. Anyway looking forward to Wednesday, maybe we will even hear the supporters sing a bit.

Comment 27, made on January 18, 2010 at 10.07 am

rocky marciano said:

... ak-27 lol

Comment 28, made on January 18, 2010 at 10.08 am

Chris Harper said:

... Without his pace he would not be a professional footballer. And without a computer, you would be a REAL manager

Comment 29, made on January 18, 2010 at 10.10 am

mikey18 said:

... Gabby has a similar record to defoe when he first started playing for tottenham at 21 although gabby is younger and has played a lot on the wing. When defore was 20 he was playing for bournemouth. Gabby was playin RW for Villa. Gabby will improve. Despite not being prolific he still contributes a lot to the team he has consistently being up there for assists as well as scoring. Lets put things into perspective. He is not a poacher like owen or Van Nistlerooy but we don't have a player that plays those killer through balls. So maybe he is we just haven't seen it.

Comment 30, made on January 18, 2010 at 10.11 am

Bubbles said:

... At leat you have a fit stiker more than we do. Anyway hope you finish in the top 4 good luck villa

Comment 31, made on January 18, 2010 at 10.13 am

Matthew Smith said:

... Keefvilla Don't come on here talking sense. Regardless of the result yesterday, our players worked their socks off. A slight generalisation, I know, but footballers are not he most intelligent people in the world and confidence is so important to players like Gabby. Booing is only going to have a negative effect on the team. Nerves are going to be high on Wednesday night, and the booing will just make the players even more nervous and if Blackburn score in the first 20 mins I'm blaming the boo-ers! UTV.

Comment 32, made on January 18, 2010 at 10.13 am

bobvillian said:

... IF MON BRINGS IN A GOALSCORER COUNT ON SOMEONE LIKE BOTHRORD TO COME IN;OUR GAFFERS TRACK RECORD WITH STRIKERS EXCEPT CAREW IN FIRST 18 MONTHS IS TOTAL SHIT.SUTTON;HESKEY;HAREWOOD;BE LUCKY TO GET 10GOALS BETWEEN FOR SEASON.LETS FACE IT MON CANT WORK WITH TOP PLAYERS;HE HAS HIS FAVORITES AND HE WILL NOT LEAVE THEM OUT EVEN IF PLAYING TOTAL SHIT?WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME A YOUNG;PETROV;WHERE TAKEN OFF WHEN NOT INJURED.ANSWER 00000000 I STILL SAY MON HAS TAKEN VILLA AS FAR AS HE CAN AND I HOPE HE GOES IN SUMMER.BRING IN MARTIN YOL TO GET EXCITING PLAYERS IN LIKE HE HAD AT SPURS AND HAMBURG.

Comment 33, made on January 18, 2010 at 10.14 am

Andi said:

... Mikey18 -- dont get me wrong i am not a total gabby hater, i guess he shoulders much of the blame because we all except that CAREW makes cameo appearances EMULE is like having a handicap so it falls with GABBY

Comment 34, made on January 18, 2010 at 10.15 am

Keith said:

... Villa_Chris That is the truest and funniest thing you have ever posted

Comment 35, made on January 18, 2010 at 10.17 am

Adrian Kilgallon said:

... Chris the Villa youth managers have said that he was on the verge of being realeased on a number of occassions as a youngster but they decided not to due to his pace. Thats my point. If he wasn't blessed with his pace he would not be a footballer today. He can may still learn how to be a better finisher.

Comment 36, made on January 18, 2010 at 10.18 am

Chris Harper said:

... Ha ha, just a bit of banter..... I'm waiting to be 'Owned' by JPA!

Comment 37, made on January 18, 2010 at 10.19 am

englandsnumber6 said:

... As a West ham fan, i would have taken a point at the start, and thought you would win 2-1/3-1 but just like the last 3 seasons you drop like a stone after xmas, i was expecting more from you to be honest. But like the heading of this article 'west ham lucky to leave with a point' i think we were unlucky not to leave with all 3. A fully fit west ham with all strikers fit would have taken you apart yesterday, i think you should be thankfull for you point. MON half term report.. must try harder or you end up same as last year.

Comment 38, made on January 18, 2010 at 10.20 am

Damian said:

... NO MORE CAPITALS PLEASE

Comment 39, made on January 18, 2010 at 10.20 am

John Samuels said:

... Gabby is having a tough time. He is a good player and a good goal scorer. It's just not going for him at the minute and maybe dropping him to the bench for a bit would do him some good. He looks a little jaded and not impulsive enough in front of goal and this has to be a slight nock of confidence. He hasn't scored sine Man U. If Gabby doesn't score on wed and Fonz gets a goal or two against Brighton i'd start him in the next league game without hesitation. Booing the team is unnacceptable, even if Sunday was the most frustrating day ever. The lads tried hard, we kept a clean sheet and everyone else around us f**ked up too, so not too bad. Just a shame we couldn't capitalise because we pi**ed on them for 65 mins and had all those corners and all that posession. That's the worst thing, we had chances but couldn't take them.

Comment 40, made on January 18, 2010 at 10.20 am

John Samuels said:

... And without his magnifying glass everyone would think chris was a woman.

Comment 41, made on January 18, 2010 at 10.23 am

mikey18 said:

... Cheify bar the scum we have scored the least goals in the top 10. He have scored the same as STOKE! Sunderland has scored more than us!! Most attacking midfield in the prem...don't make me laugh. Ye his pace is a major attribute, Would Henry be as good without his pace? Would Rooney be as good with out his strength?? There are far faster footballers who haven't made it. I can't remember the last time gabby scored a goal down to sheer pace! Yesterday he created a couple of chances out of nothing, he turned upson and created a 1 on 1 without pace. infact almost all his chances yesterday had nothing to do with pace.

Comment 42, made on January 18, 2010 at 10.23 am

carl said:

... Randy Lerner ahs just commisioned a 2million pound exension to his house outside Birmingham... to me this says he still has plenty of money still and that he is definatly stopping around for the long run... (so stop askin for a new chairman and money Damian, it ent happening)

Comment 43, made on January 18, 2010 at 10.28 am

John Samuels said:

... englandsnumber6, In fairness mate, where you watching a different game? You got bossed and only starting getting into our half after 70 mins!!! You got whipped for posession, you got whipped for attempts, you got whipped for corners against, you got whipped all over the pitch and the only thing thing missing from your whipping was a goal. Had we had a bit more composure you would have been out of that game by half time. Green is a good keeper and you won't hold onto him. You come, park the bus and wait for a few tired legs. Good luck in the championship next season, cos that's where you're going to be. I'd be happy to take Carlton Cole off your hands but the rest of your team is pretty ropey and your club is in dissaray. For us it was an unlucky blip. For you it was an unprecedented point in a game you should have lost by a margin. Take your point, you're gonna bloody need it.

Comment 44, made on January 18, 2010 at 10.29 am

Keith said:

... Chris You are owned ! ak_27 So Gabby was "on the verge of being realeased on a number of occassions as a youngster" and now is an England international footballer. I wonder who helped make him one?

Comment 45, made on January 18, 2010 at 10.30 am

mikey18 said:

... Sorry scrap stoke and fulham have scored less, but the rest stands. I believe Gabby is being Mismanaged. Yes drop him, yes lets get a top quality striker in to bring the best out of gabby. I do think gabby is a bit complacent, he is always going to be in the team because of our lack of options. AK-27, if gabby was dropped by AVFC thats not to say he wouldn't be a pro footballer. Many a footballers have been dropped by there respective clubs only to go on and become professional players. Regardless gabby is an english international, says something.

Comment 46, made on January 18, 2010 at 10.31 am

John Samuels said:

... Randy Lerner ahs just commisioned a 2million pound exension to his house outside Birmingham... He owns a football team worth £100 odd million and a NFL side worth nearly a billion. I think he can afford a few renovations. He just isn't a billionaire anymore without his assets. Still worth about £7-800m

Comment 47, made on January 18, 2010 at 10.32 am

mikey18 said:

... Prime example Jimmy Bullard was at West ham from 1999-2001 he was 21/22, didn't play a single game for them and was sold to peter borough United. Although he has had a career blighted with injuries on his day he is one of the best midfielders in the prem!

Comment 48, made on January 18, 2010 at 10.33 am

Tim Hillman said:

... I put it down to a bad day at the office. If we were to reply that game 10 times I think we would win 8 or 9 times out of ten. It is all very well saying we should buy a 20 goal a season striker but other than Cole, or Bent who would we realistically be able to buy who could meet that brief.

Comment 49, made on January 18, 2010 at 10.36 am

Adrian Kilgallon said:

... Im not having a go at Gabby. I just said that if he had normal pace he would not be a professional footballer which is true(you can't deny that. Its not his skill and intelligence that makes him the player he is). But he does and he is a very dangerous player when used correctly. Yes Keef MON got him into the English sqaud and fair play. I wonder what state he will be going over to SA if we continue to play him the way we are right now. Chances are he will be played in nearly every game from here until the WC for the entire 90mins.

Comment 50, made on January 18, 2010 at 10.42 am

John Samuels said:

... I put it down to a bad day at the office. If we were to reply that game 10 times I think we would win 8 or 9 times out of ten. CSM you're right. The thing that really disappointed me was that we let them play for the last ten when we really could have put a bit of pressure on being at home.

Comment 51, made on January 18, 2010 at 10.49 am

Abdul Kashif said:

... We need someone who can offer something a bit different.. Like a Carbone or Solano. They were great signings and really added something to the team. A bit of unpredictability. How likely is it that we'd sign an Italian or South American now...?!

Comment 52, made on January 18, 2010 at 10.54 am

Mark Johnson said:

... For the life of me, I don't know how a professional football player can get physically tired they get tired because they just aint bothered IMO I thought Ashley Young was very poor yesterday, he'snow to the point of being cocky, he argues with the ref when he doesn't get his own way, I think he's beleiving his own press, just as gabby did when he had the sniff of the England squad. he now drives round in his lambo, wearing silly coloured boots [ as most of our youngsters do], argues when he doesn't get the free kick, which he's now taken to passing direct to the opposing keeper. now while I have no objections to him enjoying the spoils of his success it does irk me that he seems to be the first on the team sheet and therfor he has no desire to try very hard, but still gets his £60 - £70,000 per week [ £250,000 per month). yesterday was calling out for Delph on for Young and Fonz on for Gabby. tired???? my arse!!! give them a rest and start using the squad we have or buy some new blood and don't get me started on letting Gardner go !!!!! I know I've picked on webcam but the same can be applied in some degree to Gabby, big John and others.

Comment 53, made on January 18, 2010 at 10.55 am

villacyprus said:

... if you lot want to see goals from gabby then tell martin to pair him up front with the fonz notthe other two who dont help him at all

Comment 54, made on January 18, 2010 at 10.56 am

Andi said:

... Falcao !!!!! he is the man cant stop scoring at the minute wouldnt cost to much we should have had him when he was at River Plate !!!

Comment 55, made on January 18, 2010 at 10.57 am

Mark said:

... Chiefy, Emule as you wittily refer to him, is a much better player than Gabby because he actually knows how to go about his business. Our midfield is fine, although Young needs to improve. I have never rated Gabby as he rarely anticipates where the ball is going to go. Players like Owen, Fowler (of old), Defoe all have the ability to create space and second guess where the ball is going to go. Their finishing is also superior. I love Gabby cos he's Villa through and through but it's like watching Tony Daley as a striker - There's something not quite right. I'm sure Ash wouldn't mind a bash up front as he's doing feck all on the wing other than sulk. On a more positive note, It's Blackburn on Wednesday and time to finish the job.

Comment 56, made on January 18, 2010 at 10.58 am

John Samuels said:

... Mostyn, if Gabby doesn't know where th ball is going to go, how come he is our top scorer and how come he carve out three clear goal scoring opportunities. Don't talk out of you backside, it doesn't suit you. The fact is, he didn't finish two excellent opportunities and is clearly having a lean spell. He is an excellent player on his day and did everything else required of him brilliantly. Needs a goal to get his scoring boots back that's all. I know he can score chances like the ones he missed because he would have smashed them in at the beginning of this year.

Comment 57, made on January 18, 2010 at 11.02 am

Andi said:

... I love Gabby cos he's Villa through and through but it's like watching Tony Daley as a striker - There's something not quite rig Gabby as he rarely anticipates where the ball is going to go. Players like Owen, Fowler (of old), Defoe all have the ability to create space and second guess where the ball is going to go. Their finishing is also superio its not just me then

Comment 58, made on January 18, 2010 at 11.03 am

Andi said:

... Emule as you wittily refer to him and lovingly refer to him but i know what your saying

Comment 59, made on January 18, 2010 at 11.05 am

Christian said:

... I'm not a Gabby fan and I don't think he'll ever turn into a 20 goal a season striker. People keep hammering on that he can learn to finish- can he?! If that's the case, maybe we could sign Usain Bolt (he's even younger than Gabby!) and he'd 'learn to finish' too. He tries hard (he does a lot of channel-running) but when he receives the ball his touch is so, so ugly. If he does manage to get it under control and his brain gets a chance to think, it tends to go pear-shaped. Toeing it past a defender and running might be alright at a lower level, but at Prem/International level all the defenders are too smart for that, they just get in the way, hamper and hinder. Look at Cuellar, he's scarily slow but rarely gets done for pace (he had Bellamy in his pocket vs Man City) because he's smart. And, most importantly, he can't finish. Does anyone really have much faith when he goes clean through (on the rare occasion)? The one-on-one at the end would've been put away by a decent striker. And the opportunity from 25 yards when Green fumbled at his feet should've been at least a shot on target. He's just a pacy handful. That's all. I don't think any of the other Top 6 would really want him. He's Darius Vassell. As for him being an England international, see Heskey, Ricketts, McCann, Shorey, Ball, Carson, Nugent, Vassell...

Comment 60, made on January 18, 2010 at 11.05 am

Andi said:

... He's Darius Vassell i can see the similarity and look what happened there

Comment 61, made on January 18, 2010 at 11.09 am

Christian said:

... JPA, Mostyn, if Gabby doesn't know where th ball is going to go, how come he is our top scorer Because he starts every game! If you swapped Fonz for Gabby at the start of the season, I would imagine Fonz would be top scorer. Christ, they're only competing with Heskey!

Comment 62, made on January 18, 2010 at 11.10 am

Chris Harper said:

... Officially owned! Christ I do look like a woman! Genuine question: Would you risk playing Del Boy on Wednesday? Or is it too risky? I think he should start him and see how it goes personally.

Comment 63, made on January 18, 2010 at 11.11 am

Andi said:

... if Gabby doesn't know where th ball is going to go, how come he is our top scorer if you do something for long enough eventually it will work out. hardly prolific though even being our top scorer half way through the season and still in single figures is it ?

Comment 64, made on January 18, 2010 at 11.11 am

Adrian Kilgallon said:

... Christ I do look like a woman! Are you the one on the left or the right of the picture?

Comment 65, made on January 18, 2010 at 11.14 am

John Samuels said:

... And, most importantly, he can't finish. Does anyone really have much faith when he goes clean through (on the rare occasion)? The one-on-one at the end would've been put away by a decent striker. And the opportunity from 25 yards when Green fumbled at his feet should've been at least a shot on target. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e0BMLuRD-k0 Christian maybe we should sign this guy, a few good finishes in there, I can tell you. Honestly, people have such short memories it's absolutely stupid.

Comment 66, made on January 18, 2010 at 11.15 am

Chris Harper said:

... Thats me, Im a two headed freak!! We're twins I would love to see Delph play Wed night too. Think it was a mistake playing the first team yesterday, but hey ho.

Comment 67, made on January 18, 2010 at 11.16 am

Jimbo said:

... And if he gets a hat trick next week he'll be the best. Ridiculous comparing Agbonlahor to Torres, Ian Wright and Alan Shearer. He's not as good as Pele either, but he is a good player and not the finished article yet. We had chances and Rob Green was probably man of the match. Positives are clean sheet, lots of passing, and our competition for forth spot also faultering. Long way to go and we can build on that 0 - 0.

Comment 68, made on January 18, 2010 at 11.17 am

mikey18 said:

... Ok EVERYBODY who says gabby is just all pace please highlight which one of his 8 goals in the league this season was down to his pace? Hes scored against. Man Utd Tottenham Bolton Wolves Blackburn Portmouth Birmingham Fulham Not on of his goals this season has been down to his pace. He's scored a few headers, he's 5'11. How does he do that? Intelligence! Reads the play, gets a run on the defender. Most of his goals are of his own creation as well. Turning a man and getting a shot off. NONE of his goals have come from his pace this season so stop talking out your arses

Comment 69, made on January 18, 2010 at 11.17 am

John Samuels said:

... Genuine question: Would you risk playing Del Boy on Wednesday? Or is it too risky? I think he should start him and see how it goes personally. That's exactly what I would do. If we play like we did Sunday he'll get chances and lets see if he can take one. Gabby on the bench to come on if we're struggling. At least we'll have a decent attacking sub available and then Gab can play Sat and bag a couple against Brighton, that might help his form out.

Comment 70, made on January 18, 2010 at 11.18 am

Chris Harper said:

... That video is top JPA cheers. I love the guy. Hope he can get people off his back with a few goals in the not too distant future!

Comment 71, made on January 18, 2010 at 11.20 am

Christian said:

... JPA, you can't offer a youtube video as evidence that Gabby's decent!! Here's some for Vassell too http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9HxKgeojKJM, and that's not even his international wondergoal against Holland! You'll be looking up Baros on it next and saying he's clincal!

Comment 72, made on January 18, 2010 at 11.21 am

Chris Harper said:

... Mikey18 Nice back up for your argument mate.

Comment 73, made on January 18, 2010 at 11.22 am

Mark said:

... JPA, When is he going to come good? He has not produced what is required or expected of our main striker. He has improved his physique and ability to hold the ball, but he just seems to lack the instinctive mind of a top striker. I'm not sure you can teach that though?

Comment 74, made on January 18, 2010 at 11.24 am

Jimbo said:

... Reo Coker was set for a start on Sunday but picked up an injury on Saturday. He'd have relished a game, not least against the Hammers. After two league defeats I think starting Delph might have been a gamble, had we got a couple of goals in the first half I'd have made some changes and brought the youngster on, sure MON would too, but at nil nil it was a tight game against a desperate West Ham side. Experience was needed and just a shame we couldn't get the goal we all expected. To drop Petrov or Milner for Delph woul have been a tough call, who would you have dropped?

Comment 75, made on January 18, 2010 at 11.25 am

Adrian Kilgallon said:

... How does he do that? Intelligence! Reads the play, gets a run on the defender Sorry Micky. While i think Gabby can still improve a lot as a player do not put the word intelligence in any sentence about the guy. That is something he lacks and will never have. He can hopefully improve on his finsihing.

Comment 76, made on January 18, 2010 at 11.26 am

Andi said:

... And if he gets a hat trick next week he'll be the best. Ridiculous comparing Agbonlahor to Torres, Ian Wright and Alan Shearer why is it ? they where internationals and where playing at the level gabby wants to be playing at and yet all of them where better at the same point in there career so no comparing him to other like rooney and shearer is not stupid or is it because he isnt as good and because he is a local lad we put up with it ??

Comment 77, made on January 18, 2010 at 11.27 am

Chris Harper said:

... Christian1983 But what it shows is that he has it in him. He's 23 and has another 10 years left of his career... 2 times more than what he has already been going for. He has huge potential. I understand that people wish they could see a bit of rotation with Gabby and I agree. But putting him down is just ridiculous. If he would have put one of his chances away yesterday and won us the game, it would have been back to Gabby being a potential '20 goal a season' on here. There is such a thin line between loving and hating a player on here its just daft.

Comment 78, made on January 18, 2010 at 11.27 am

Andi said:

... NONE of his goals have come from his pace this season so stop talking out your arses that might because he has fluffed all the one on ones he has had i.e yesterday !

Comment 79, made on January 18, 2010 at 11.28 am

Chris Harper said:

... Ha ha Chiefy face it, he had you there!

Comment 80, made on January 18, 2010 at 11.30 am

BobbyPark said:

... to Chiefy so Heskey is better than Gabby because "he actually knows how to go about his business". Well if Heskeys business is all about not finding the net then he is indeed very succesful. Stop talking shite !!

Comment 81, made on January 18, 2010 at 11.31 am

Andi said:

... There is such a thin line between loving and hating a player on here its just daft. i dont hate the guy nor do i hate the MULE, CAREW or anyone else for that matter who wears the claret and blue but shouldnt we want better ?? isnt that what all this is about wanting more wanting to win ??

Comment 82, made on January 18, 2010 at 11.32 am

Jimbo said:

... Rooney as well now, if we had any of those players we wouldn't need Gabby. We haven't though, we are not in the champions League so we can't lure those players or afford them right now. Why shouldn't he want to play at that level? Aim for the stars and you'll clear the trees. I just don't think you can compare some of the the world's best players to Agbonlahor. He's quality, but hes not world class (yet). And until we step up to the level world class players want to play at, ie champions league regularly, we won't sign them. Nurtuting them is our only hope and I think we are building a team of potential world stars, with one or two closer to being the finished article than others.

Comment 83, made on January 18, 2010 at 11.34 am

Andi said:

... Birmingham City have announced a club-record sponsorship deal with Xtep International Holdings Ltd. The five-year deal will see the sportswear manufacturer produce the Blues' playing and training kit from the start of next season, replacing City's three-year agreement with Umbro. Who was that sorry ?

Comment 84, made on January 18, 2010 at 11.38 am

Chris Harper said:

... isnt that what all this is about wanting more wanting to win ?? Yeah that's life. People always want what they can't get.... You buy a nice car then after a while, you want a faster one. Then after a period of time you want a more economical one. You get my point! Sometimes you don't appreciate what you've got until it's gone.

Comment 85, made on January 18, 2010 at 11.38 am

Andi said:

... Yeah that's life. People always want what they can't get.... You buy a nice car then after a while, you want a faster one. Then after a period of time you want a more economical one. You get my point! Sometimes you don't appreciate what you've got until it's gone it went a long time ago and it hasnt come back, if its what we cant get or have then why are we bothering ? we should except between 7th and 5th and be happy good run in the cup every now and then and thats your lot ?

Comment 86, made on January 18, 2010 at 11.41 am

Jimbo said:

... thats not the point, every villa fan would want Rooney and Torres leading the line, but no amount of money would sign them to a none champs league team. You set unrealistc targets, your are setting yourself up for disappointment. Therefore we have to nurture talent, hold onto young players, and make sure they are at VP when they have their best years. I don't think you understand economics or the transfer market if you think we could go and sign Torres or Rooney mate. Stupid argument.

Comment 87, made on January 18, 2010 at 11.46 am

mikey18 said:

... Cheify every player in the game aims for that. Gabby is closer than most. You say they were better than gabby at his age, but gabby is better than ian wright at 23! so you never know how a player is going to develop. AK_27 how do you explain it then? And everybody else who says Gabbys goals are down to his pace? If its not Skill and Intelligence which AK_27 seem to think Gabbs is devoid of and its not pace because non of his goals has been through pace then what is it? Luck? hes scored double figures for the past couple of years, scored against Utd 4 years in a row. Thats not luck. Cheify lets say he has missed all his one on ones, in 21 games of football lets say hes missed one a game. If he can improve hes finishing in one on one situations by 10% he would be on 10 for the season, 20% 12 for the season 50% he'd be the top goal scorer in the league.

Comment 88, made on January 18, 2010 at 11.47 am

Christian said:

... New post on Gardner just been put up if anyone's interested...

Comment 89, made on January 18, 2010 at 11.48 am

jc_villa said:

... Gabby will turn good. He improved so much in the last few years and has time on his side. I think the problem is his strike partner. personally i'd drop th target man and play fonz with gabby. He knows where the goal is and gabby has proved to be able to hold the play up well so do we really need heskey or carew. Without the big men id hope it would stop the long balls and get us passing it more. The only problem is we lose the height advantage for crossings etc.

Comment 90, made on January 18, 2010 at 11.50 am

Chris Harper said:

... personally i'd drop th target man and play fonz with gabby. He knows where the goal is and gabby has proved to be able to hold the play up well so do we really need heskey or carew Sounds like a plan. I would love to see that.

Comment 91, made on January 18, 2010 at 11.55 am

Elliott said:

... Damien I too think at last i agree with most things you are saying. You have gone for the positive outlook, of playing ok, racking up passes and creating chances. I think if we had a striker we could be top 4. Say even Bent (though he was overpriced this summer) would score 20 for us from the creativity of Downing Milner and Young I hope delph does get a run, but not in games like yesterday against Scott Parker and Noble, while i hope delfouneso gets a run when Gabby is clearly lacking confidence aka yesterday

Comment 92, made on January 18, 2010 at 12.04 pm

Craig Elliot said:

... Has anyone seen this ? http://news.sky.com/skynews/Ho...ball_Duri ng_Radio_Commentary_Of_Aston_Villa_West_Ham_At_Villa_Pa rk Pure class !!!!

Comment 93, made on January 18, 2010 at 12.13 pm

rockyvilla said:

... saw the match on sky yesterday and got to disagree with u Damian i thought Downing was by far our best player. Dont see how MON can complain about tiredness being a factor when he should have subbed earlier. I would have Carew on for Emile earlier and brought Fonz on for gabby later if no improvement in the chances. I agree Delph and Albrighton need games but only when replacing tired looking players. We cant afford to weaken the team in any match. We do need a top striker with a lot of skills and finishing. Bent and Cole best english at moment but would have inflated price in jan window.

Comment 94, made on January 18, 2010 at 12.17 pm

Tim Hillman said:

... I can sort of understand MON reluctance to start with other players but I don't see the point of having a bigger squad and then not using it, and making the point that the players may be getting tired. We were lucky that Spurs, Liverpool and Man City all dropped points at the weekend. This race for 4th is going to be exciting.

Comment 95, made on January 18, 2010 at 12.27 pm

Mark said:

... mikey I find it a bit worrying that none of Gabby's goals are down to his pace, as it's his main asset.

Comment 96, made on January 18, 2010 at 12.32 pm

mikey18 said:

... Mostyn your missing the point! it obviously isn't his main asset!

Comment 97, made on January 18, 2010 at 12.37 pm

Adrian Kilgallon said:

... AK_27 how do you explain it then? And everybody else who says Gabbys goals are down to his pace? If its not Skill and Intelligence which AK_27 seem to think Gabbs is devoid of and its not pace because non of his goals has been through pace then what is it? Luck? hes scored double figures for the past couple of years, scored against Utd 4 years in a row. Thats not luck. Micky if you are a stirker playing for Villa and being in the box with so many crosses coming in you will find yourself with chances eventually. Not much intelligence needed really to be in the box hanging around the goal. But when i talk about intelligence im talking more about his game outside the box to be honest. You can't tell me he is an intelligent guy? What he has is a exceptional attribute which he has added to by bulking up. Can he learn how to finish better? I don't know. But he certainly won't improve on his ability to think and skill on the ball as they are natural attributes. Thats why he will never be world class. He can still be very effective for us if we play to his strengths better and if he can start finishing better.

Comment 98, made on January 18, 2010 at 12.45 pm

Hamer82 said:

... We need a striker. I just dont understand why 40000 villa fans can see it but one manager cant. 4 games, 1 goal. says it all really. Why did we let bent slip through the net last summer, Defoe also?! My personal opinion: if Heskey and gabby arent doing it and we arent buying a striker, try Big John and Del boy.......simplez. oh and lets play delph - shows signs of what he could be but 1 game out of every 8/9 just isnt enough. We talk about blooding these young players but managers just know when a player is shit hot so they get played early doors so that they can grow into better players as they get older. other managers past and present in the prem havent been shy to play their youngsters. rooney and owen for starters aswell as many many more. We'll all be asking questions when these young players move on for 1st team football because MON has blind faith in his preferred 11. Sort it out MON......

Comment 99, made on January 18, 2010 at 12.47 pm

GPalmer said:

... I think the weekend's results sum up the season so far - the top 3 won against teams you'd expect them to beat, while Villa, Spurs, Man City & Liverpool stuttered against lesser opposition again (though Everton are looking better by the week now so City have an excuse). We can all beat anyone on our day, which is why the League Cup has to be a possible trophy... but I didn't like the way Blackburn stuck 3 past Fulham on Saturday - Hodgson's lot are as tight in defence as we are.

Comment 100, made on January 18, 2010 at 3.49 pm

fastbackace said:

... ak, chiefy, villachris,jpa, badger- i dont see how some of u can slat gabby when he is our top scorer, obviously he is doing something right to score those goals. when carew and half a mule heskey have a combined goal tally of 9... just 9... carew has 6, half a mule has 3... y are we not looking at replacing weak links instead of one of the strongest...? sell heskey and pic up carlton cole, and carew for someone else, there age is catching up with them.

Comment 101, made on January 18, 2010 at 6.28 pm

fastbackace said:

... ak- reading a game and skill on the ball are learn able attributes. i used to be horrible at both, now i play college ball... i understand its not the same, but yes, u can learn them.

Comment 102, made on January 18, 2010 at 6.30 pm

Adrian Kilgallon said:

... skill on the ball are learn able attributes Thats a natural thing. You certainly won't improve that much at his age.

Comment 103, made on January 18, 2010 at 8.22 pm

Rab Grun said:

... Considering West Ham played their Under 21s I'd say Aston Villa were embarrassed greatly having been chasing shadows for the majority of the 2nd half!

Comment 104, made on January 18, 2010 at 10.23 pm