Gabby

[Mortimer's Bear]

Anybody who slags Gabby of is wrong. Told you he would score.

There's a difference between slagging him off and stating that he's been ineffective in some games this season, I think everyone on here appreciates his qualities and is willing him to do well.

[Rancid custard]

More than anything he's been the victim of inconsistency, both his own and the managers of the time. Back with MON we were geared towards counter attack, it suited his pace, Petrov or Freidel would look for the quick release to ashley young or James Milner who'd then stretch the defense, whip in a cross that John Carew would Knock on for Gabby, or he'd steal that foot of space he needed for his finish. Under Houllier he didn't really get a crack of the whip in a 442 like he was used to, played on the wing when he played and pretty much didn't get a look in when Bent arrived as Houllier looked to make him the focal point of attack. Under Macleish it was pretty much the same kind of thing, minus any aspect of attacking football. Now under Lambert, he's been in and out, played on both wings and ignored in favor of Weimann (though to be fair, Andy needed the games and is a better player for it, some great runs, assists and goals) but now is getting his chance again, he's done all of this without speaking out against being dropped or moved around in the media and always tries his best. What more can you ask? Consummate professional.

[not3bad]

Gabby will be vital in the run in.  A real Villa man, which is sorely needed.

[brontebilly]

Better player away from home than at Villa Park. Didn't think he was anything wonderful today to be honest but justified his inclusion with the goal. Is his hat trick at home to Man City, the only time he has scored more than one goal in a league game for us?

[villan from luton]

He is better away from home as teams play deeper when at Villa Park. Think as a team we are more suited to playing away from home at the moment.

[PeterWithesShin]

Better player away from home than at Villa Park. Didn't think he was anything wonderful today to be honest but justified his inclusion with the goal. Is his hat trick at home to Man City, the only time he has scored more than one goal in a league game for us?

He scored twice away at Fulham 4 or 5 years ago I think.

[peter w]

When being marked by Smalling. The first being a header, the type of service he no longer gets.

[villan from luton]

He is more of a team player than he used to be IMHO

[bob]

eamonn! Why are you crying? Are you ok?

[eamonn]

eamonn! Why are you crying? Are you ok?

It was in response to Villadroid's heartfelt eulogy to the Erdington one.

That and someone spilt my pint in the New Cross Inn tonight.

[eamonn]

Better player away from home than at Villa Park. Didn't think he was anything wonderful today to be honest but justified his inclusion with the goal. Is his hat trick at home to Man City, the only time he has scored more than one goal in a league game for us?

He scored twice away at Fulham 4 or 5 years ago I think.

January 2010, 3 years ago. Don't wish your life away, yo.

[Bottom Right 89]

Better player away from home than at Villa Park. Didn't think he was anything wonderful today to be honest but justified his inclusion with the goal. Is his hat trick at home to Man City, the only time he has scored more than one goal in a league game for us?

After scoring again yesterday Gabby is now only a brace away from becoming Villa's joint top goalscorer in the premier league, a hattrick against QPR and he overtakes Yorkie. If ever there was a perfect time to hit a hattrick next week is surely it.

[Stu]

When being marked by Smalling. The first being a header, the type of service he no longer gets.

How true is that. Forgot how good Gabby is at headers.

[WALTERS WARRIORS]

Technically Gabby is poor, but has developed his ability to hold the ball better. Fantastic finish yesterday and we will need more of the same to survive .....

[supertom]

We look better when Gabby's in the side. He seems the only one who'll work the channels and give us an outlet there. He also offers a lot of work which makes up for the occasional lack in quality. And you never know when you'll get that 1 game in 10 when he looks like a world beater.
Long after Benteke and Bent have departed, Gabby will still be here. I don't see him moving ever, unless a manager turfs him out. But can't see that happening till he's well into his 30's. He's the sort of player every club really needs. He represents what we're about and he's Villa through and through.
If we sold him we'd be worse off. It would be harder than some think to replace his quality and nigh on impossible to find anyone who wants to play for this club as much as Gab.