Darren Bent

[Rick_avfc]

He certaintly didnt look happy against Bristol Rovers.  Probably as he was frustrated at not scoring?  all talk was about him not celebrating with the players.  For anyone who was at the game, was this true?  Did he not celebrate with the players after they scored?

[Ryu]

IMO you can't read a lot into the celebrations on the weekend. When PL teams score against lower league opposition they tend to be understated about it and don't run across the pitch to congratulate each other as much as the would in a league game.

[seanthevillan]

He certaintly didnt look happy against Bristol Rovers.  Probably as he was frustrated at not scoring?  all talk was about him not celebrating with the players.  For anyone who was at the game, was this true?  Did he not celebrate with the players after they scored?

From the tv pics I saw he kind of half-heartedly high-fived Albrighton, and after Clarke scored didn't react at all, just sort of turned and loped back towards the halfway line.

[Toronto Villa]

People need to stop reading a players body language and making such snap judgements. When Albrighton scored nobody raced over the congratulate him. We were playing Bristol Rovers not AC Milan, and when Marco scored he turned and jogged back. I think it would have been massively small time for any player to go nuts against that opposition. Bent barely shows any emotion when he scores. In fact I can't think of that many games; Man City at home, Chelsea away recently where he's really gone an celebrated a goal. It's not his style. He normally just points a finger and gets mobbed by others. And as for when others score, he's gone over and congratulated Gabby or others when they've scored. He just isn't the type to go jumping on someones back and giving it the big one to the fans.

[Ad@m]

Albrighton almost looked pissed off at scoring so I wouldn't read too much in to that.

[ozzjim]

Anyone know why Redknapp is allowed to make it known abot Demba Ba release fee?

In fairness he never, the reporter mentioned it, Harry just acknowledged he knew about it.

On the issue, Ba is a prime example, bought last January for a fraction of what we paid for Bent scored goals and contributes a hundred times more than Bent.

Also, what makes people think Hughes will be interested in Bent?

Complete exaggeration.

[Dante Lavelli]

I really think the 4-2-3-1 doesn't seem to suit him much. wouldn't be surprised to see gabby partner him against everton, with ireland playing left or right (depending on whether CNZ or Albrighton plays).

Theoretically with three players supplying him, a 4231 is Bent's ideal formation but I do think that the three have to have the freedom to get closer to Bent so he is not isolated.   

I think we need to have a bit of patience here.  This line up has hardly played together and yet we're expecting it to click straight away.  A combination of Ireland, Nzog, gabby and Albrighton feeding Bent has the potential to be a pretty decent attacking unit, but it will take some time for them to get used to each other's moves etc.

[Hoppo]

Bent hardly looks happy. I was there saturday its obvious Bent just needs goals. That is the problem if he doesnt score you have to look hard for his plus points! I was happier to see Clark Albrighton Bannan Gardner and Gabby on the pitch at the same time. I was also disturbed by the nonchalent way Dunne reacted to his own mistake! Im hoping Hughes puts a 10mill bid in for him and ireland!

[Rimmy Jimmer]

Year after year after year the cry " We need a striker!" We buy one at 24 million. 43 say sell him. God help us.

[Dante Lavelli]

Year after year after year the cry " We need a striker!" We buy one at 24 million. 43 say sell him. God help us.

Don't you think that the demand for a striker is usually a sign of a person's tactical naivety? 
We're not winning = We need a better striker!  Most people simplify football to just being about scoring goals and so the striker is the hero position.
   

[Monty]

Year after year after year the cry " We need a striker!" We buy one at 24 million. 43 say sell him. God help us.

Don't you think that the demand for a striker is usually a sign of a person's tactical naivety? 
We're not winning = We need a better striker!  Most people simplify football to just being about scoring goals and so the striker is the hero position.
   

Spot on. The cliche "putting the ball in the net is the hardest thing in the game" is a typical and silly one. What's more difficult, a tap-in to an open net from one yard or keeping possession when surrounded by five opponents with your closest team-mate 20 yards away?

[Pete3206]

The fatal flaw in that argument is goals win games. Emile Heskey is better than Bent at holding the ball up. Does anyone consider him to be a top striker?

[Villanation]

The fatal flaw in that argument is goals win games. Emile Heskey is better than Bent at holding the ball up. Does anyone consider him to be a top striker?

He was, but then so was Bent!!

[garyshawsknee]

When Bent made his debut last year the stats showed that he only touched the ball a few times,but importantly scored. Most of us on here stated that we hadn't had that type of player for years and it was just what was needed,now the goals have dried up people now want him out.

 If Nzog and Albrighton,Ireland continue to improve like they have,then the chances will come and hopefully the goals will as well. He's been so isolated in some games and as we all know link up play isnt his strong point,but if Gab and other are closer to him on the pitch i think his form will come back.

[Villanation]

When Bent made his debut last year the stats showed that he only touched the ball a few times,but importantly scored. Most of us on here stated that we hadn't had that type of player for years and it was just what was needed,now the goals have dried up people now want him out.

 If Nzog and Albrighton,Ireland continue to improve like they have,then the chances will come and hopefully the goals will as well. He's been so isolated in some games and as we all know link up play isnt his strong point,but if Gab and other are closer to him on the pitch i think his form will come back.

I agree about Gabbs and said so previously he needs to come in closer to Bent, IMO AM is playing him way to wide leaving Bent isolated also just as important Gabby himself is quite handy at popping in a few goals and he carries that threat, but not out in no man's land.