BOF Posted October 2, 2012 Moderator Share Posted October 2, 2012 Yeah fair points. And it's the manager's prerogative at the end of the day to decide between the 2 approaches. You could argue both sides equally validly (as we have). The one thing you might expect is that your potent weapon not demand talks where he gives the impression he has a divine right to start over 2 guys who had done what GA & CB had done 5 days earlier. It's not great in a squad that's looking to be pulling in the same direction. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
R.I.C.O. Posted October 2, 2012 Share Posted October 2, 2012 I have a feeling Lambert has a lot in common with MON in this respect; he picks the team, its his call and that's all there is to it. If a player doesnt tow the line, they have a black mark put against their name and its harder for them to get back in the good books - especially if they then go crying to the media. We saw it with Reo-Coker and no doubt we will see it with Bent. I don't think Bent has covered himself in glory most times he's played so far this season, but he's coming back from a long lay off, and wants to get back intot eh England squad. He was given the captaincy at the start of the season (wrong choice in my opinion, it should have been Big Ron all along) and with that comes expectations. I don't think he should start every game as we need to alter the tactics to give the opposition a game. Whats worse is that something just doesnt feel right with Bent in a Paul Lambert team. He just doesnt fit in with the high tempo style we are now playing where everyone gives 110% and gets stuck in in all areas of the pitch; Bent is not right for a team like us starting from scratch after having its heart ripped out of it for going on 3 years, but a finishing touch to a team who already have strong wing players and quality players to provide a strong supply line. I think he'll go next summer, I always wondered why Arsenal didnt come in for him, he'd be able to ponce around the 18 yard box all he liked and just convert the shedload of chances that came his way. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Condimentalist Posted October 2, 2012 Share Posted October 2, 2012 Yeah fair points. And it's the manager's prerogative at the end of the day to decide between the 2 approaches. You could argue both sides equally validly (as we have). The one thing you might expect is that your potent weapon not demand talks where he gives the impression he has a divine right to start over 2 guys who had done what GA & CB had done 5 days earlier. It's not great in a squad that's looking to be pulling in the same direction. No, sure. I actually don't think that Bent has said anything particularly outrageous, but it would be better if he hadn't. He's clearly annoyed though and I can see why. I'm pretty annoyed myself. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lp_villa830 Posted October 2, 2012 Share Posted October 2, 2012 Don't get all the Bent hate, he may not run the channels all game and close down defenders. But this season has to my mind seen a vast improvement and willingness in his general link up play. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Woodytom Posted October 2, 2012 Share Posted October 2, 2012 Ahh god, whats this numpty whinging about? You havent played that well Darren where as the other two had a storming game up at the etihad. Thats why you didnt start. You came on, you did your job and you answered being dropped in the right way. Dont spoil it by being an arse. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nath182 Posted October 2, 2012 Share Posted October 2, 2012 Fair enough bent scored at Southampton but what gives him the right to question the managers decisions? Grow up Darren you diva. Just be happy you've scored in 2 games in a row now so keep proving why you should start ahead of Benteke! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AValon Posted October 2, 2012 Share Posted October 2, 2012 Team game, Darren......team game. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mantis Posted October 2, 2012 Share Posted October 2, 2012 I don't think Bent is as much of a prima donna as people make out. If he was he would've just ambled around after being brought on against West Brom and not even make an attempt to score. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bannedfromHandV Posted October 2, 2012 Share Posted October 2, 2012 It's been one game. He's spent one single game starting on the bench. "Poor management" by Lambert, people need to **** get real Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RoyalVilla Posted October 2, 2012 Share Posted October 2, 2012 I think dropping Bent has been the first time I've been annoyed by anything that Lambert has done. I'd have personally played Bent alongside Gabby and had Benteke on the bench, or played Bent and Benteke with gabby in Albrighton's place. Having said that, we are still very much in early transition and Lambert is trying lots of different things and really mixing it up. I think his approach will pay off in the long run. I think that if Lambert's life depended on winning that game, Bent would probably have been the first name on the teamsheet. He does need to manage Bent carefully tho IMO as Bent needs to be confident and feel wanted. It is a team game, but Bent's position and strengths require him to be selfish. I think we're really lucky to have a natural goalscorer as good as Bent and are a much better team for having him in our side. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
briggaman Posted October 2, 2012 Share Posted October 2, 2012 Lambert is the manager and Bent needs to stop moaning to the press. If he wants to complain then he should do it behind closed doors by taking it directly to Lambert. It doesn't do any good making it public... On the whole situation, I actually think Lambert was right not to start Bent. Gabby and Benteke had a really good game against Man City in the cup and it would have been unfair to drop them. Therefore Lambert decided to give them a go. When he realised Benteke wasn't cutting it he put Bent on, which was once again the right choice. His other substitutions were also spot on against West Brom in my opinion. I can't for the life of me understand why people are getting on Lambert's back because he didn't pick Bent. Bent isn't bigger than the club and he shouldn't be guaranteed a starting role every game. He has to earn in and it's not like he's been banging them in for us. Yes, he scored against Southampton and he is our best finisher, yet he should have to look over his shoulder at the competition. Lambert has sent a message to him and hopefully he'll be having a few words with Bent over this to put him back in his place. It's nice to have some decent competition upfront and Bent needs to realise that this is a team game. On the captaincy issue I think Lambert got that spot on too. Bent simply isn't captain material, whereas Vlaar quite clearly is... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sonic_bouma Posted October 2, 2012 Share Posted October 2, 2012 well he has gone down in my estimations, why thefuck does he need to spout off to the press saying that Lambert didnt speak to him and he didnt like finding out that way that he'd been benched... grow the **** up Darren dya think Rooney would complain like that if Fergie dropped him for ONE game? would he **** he was dropped for ONE **** game and he acts as if he has been mistreated tosser Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sonic_bouma Posted October 2, 2012 Share Posted October 2, 2012 It's been one game. He's spent one single game starting on the bench. "Poor management" by Lambert, people need to **** get real exactly one game absolutely ridiculous Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CI Posted October 2, 2012 Share Posted October 2, 2012 I think the only mistake Lambert made was giving Bent the captains armband in the first place. It should have never gone to him he simply isn't a captain. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
maqroll Posted October 2, 2012 Share Posted October 2, 2012 Liverpool or QPR I'd imagine Possibly West Ham If they (LFC) didn't buy Dempsey, they're not gonna buy Bent. They're in full Lerner mode over there. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
maqroll Posted October 2, 2012 Share Posted October 2, 2012 I think the only mistake Lambert made was giving Bent the captains armband in the first place. It should have never gone to him he simply isn't a captain. Agreed. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
maqroll Posted October 2, 2012 Share Posted October 2, 2012 I can't imagine Lambert hasn't conveyed to all the players that starting places are earned and lost in training and in matches...Bent spoke loudest with his goal on Sunday, and should have left it at that. If he got left out the NEXT game, then I could see why he'd have a problem. Of course now he might get left out because he's gone yapping to the press. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baker Posted October 2, 2012 Share Posted October 2, 2012 I wouldn't mind if we sold him in January, as long we comfortably above the relegation zone and the funds are set aside for future transfers. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CI Posted October 2, 2012 Share Posted October 2, 2012 To be honest with all this mouthing off to the press, if Lambert leaves him out on Sunday I'd fully understand and support the decision. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nigel Posted October 2, 2012 VT Supporter Share Posted October 2, 2012 Benteke also missed a few against City. You should always play your best players if fit IMHO And then take em off if they aren't doing the business. No complaint then Really? I assume you are talking about a one off game here but surely you would start your form players, but maybe im wrong. The rest of the time being able to successfully use your squad marks out the better managers. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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