Over the last few days I have had a look round at a few places and to my amazement I have found fans attacking the one shining light that has been gleaming since day one. This season we have needed players to step up and to be counted, and while people are quick to shoot from the hip at his weaknesses, I think some need a reminder of Gabriel Agbonlahor’s strengths.
Chelsea away 3-1. Does anyone think for one minute that Gabby did not have as big a part in that win as anyone else, if not more so? You see, with Bent, defenders know exactly how to stop him. It’s simple—don’t let him get the ball where he wants it. With Gabby it’s a little different—not only are defenders petrified of him, this lad will chase down, run at, and out-run anyone. He needs to get the ball and make something happen.
I’m not sure we see the same commitment from other members of the team. This season Gabby has been awesome: all areas of his game have improved. And what’s more, he has an edge, an edge that very few within the game have, an edge that make him give 110% every minute he is on the pitch: He is one of us.
I’ve even seen talk of Gabby being sold for £10 million and I would argue till the cows come home that you will not find equal or better for that sort of money anywhere in the Premier League.
Believe it or not, I never used to be a fan of Gabby. But this season I think he has been instrumental in some of our more positive results and displays. To even consider selling such a fundamental part of the team and the club would be pure madness—and suicidal—from a board that are already under fire.
I felt the need to write this to defend one of own. Crazy! Absolute madness that I am defending one of our own players.
If we spent as much time supporting what we have instead of cursing, attacking, and bad-mouthing or own team maybe, just maybe, the results would be a little better. I hold my hands up: I have been guilty of it in the past, but does it do any good? No. It makes you feel better for a small period of time until you realise the same players will walk out next week. Support them, help them, get behind them—when people believe in you in can do magical things. Ireland anyone?
Remember when Villa Park used to be a fortress? How’s about we do our bit and get behind not just Gabby but the whole team.
United we stand, UTV
The Author
