I can't think of any other manager who wouldn't keep a striker of Bent's proven pedigree on the bench at least. Utter stubborn madness from PL in my opinion. Our relegation rivals must be pissing themselves at that unenforced decision.
The top managers seem to be able to manage star player egos and get them to play. PL is straight out of the MON school of no forgiveness, no way back - to the total detriment of Aston Villa.