Darren Bent

[Mister E]

I've showed earlier on this thread that his record of staying with clubs beyond two seasons is poor. I still think - despite his merits generally and his value to PL's Villa squad in particular - that he'll be gone in January.

I personally favour the movement and strength of Gabby and the instinctiveness and energy of Weimann as alternatives / complements to Benteke. Lambert should be focussing on finding a third option and then we'll have a strong and variable strike force, with Benteke as the focal point but not total reliance on one man.

[ktvillan]

I also suspect Bent will go in January, but not because he can't fit into Lambert's system, more because he won't be happy not being first choice.  I agree about Weimann I think he's going to be a top player.  But Gabby?  His "movement"  about a hundred miles from the area is one thing, but anywhere near the box and it's always been poor and not a patch on Bent's.  With his recent goal record he barely deserves to be described as part of a "strikeforce".

[eastie]

I also suspect Bent will go in January, but not because he can't fit into Lambert's system, more because he won't be happy not being first choice.  I agree about Weimann I think he's going to be a top player.  But Gabby?  His "movement"  about a hundred miles from the area is one thing, but anywhere near the box and it's always been poor and not a patch on Bent's.  With his recent goal record he barely deserves to be described as part of a "strikeforce".

Agreed, if a choice of gabby or bent them I would certainly go with bent , but I think Weimann could be something special and deserves a long run with benteke.

Gabby has has enough chances and his record of one goal on over 30 league games is not good enough to warrant him a place as a striker.

[JUAN PABLO]

Id keep Bent and get rid of Gabby .       Be great to keep the four front men , alternate them but would be hard to keep everyone happy.
Gabby has had too many chances and flatters to deceive for me .  use him for 20 mins at the end .

[Jarpie]

The problem with Gabby as well with Bent is that they won't fit Lambert's playing style. Gabby is more suited to play for counter attacking side, and I wouldn't be surprised if MON would try to sign him and I think he could flourish for Sunderland.

[JUAN PABLO]

The problem with Gabby as well with Bent is that they won't fit Lambert's playing style. Gabby is more suited to play for counter attacking side, and I wouldn't be surprised if MON would try to sign him and I think he could flourish for Sunderland.

If hes mad enough to pay £10 million , yes please and I do think hes mad enough to pay £12 million

[danlanza]

I said when Bent limped off last night that he has played his last game for us.
Hope i am wrong, but it could be the case.

[teamvillage]

I'd be interested to hear from Weimann how much he learns from Bent on the training field.

He's certainly picking up the knack of right run, right place, right time.

[Can Gana Be Bettered!?!?]

The problem with Gabby as well with Bent is that they won't fit Lambert's playing style. Gabby is more suited to play for counter attacking side, and I wouldn't be surprised if MON would try to sign him and I think he could flourish for Sunderland.

If we continue 5-3-2 (3-5-2), then I think Bent can fit in the formation (provided he pulls his weight).

[ktvillan]

Weimann's movement around the box is similar to Bent's.  I noticed Weimann gesturing to Benteke and pointing to exactly where he wanted the ball put for his second goal.  It was duly delivered on the exact spot and despatched very coolly. 

[paul_e]

If we play 2 up front Benteke and Weimann deserve the spots on form.  The key is, both work hard for the team and offer a goal threat.  I think dropping weimann when we changed to 352 was a mistake and I hope he gets a run playing off Benteke now.

As for Bent I really do like him and wish we could keep him but on form this season he doesn't deserve to start, if he can adapt his game to supersub and is willing to accept the role then I'd happily keep him to be our hernandez, but I don't think that will be the case.

[glasses]

You all might find this harsh, but I hope he isn't injured badly as I want him gone in January, for as much as we can get.

[LeeB]

You all might find this harsh, but I hope he isn't injured badly as I want him gone in January, for as much as we can get.

I don't think so.

He should have scored with that chance last night, and there was another played in on his left and didn't seem to want it, Bassong eat up ground on him and cleared.

We were better without him.

[OCD]

By the sounds of it, he put into the sort of performance last night that would make him an asset to our team. If he can apply himself in a way that suits us then we don't need to sell him.

[glasses]

I saw Bent have the best chance of the first half and hit it straight at the keeper. His replacement had two chances in the second half and took both of them. Which one cost £24m again?