Re: Aston Villa v Arsenal all in one thread

by **Trotters** Sat Sep 20, 2014 4:51 am

Gabby Agbonlahor wants to gun down Arsenal for Aston Villa's brave fan

GABBY AGBONLAHOR will give a wink to one extra-special fan if he continues his goal exploits against Arsenal today.

By Dave Armitage / Published 20th September 2014

INSPIRED: Gabby Agbonlahor admits young fan Moin Younis inspires him [GETTY]

Aston Villa striker Agbonlahor’s second goal in two games felled Liverpool at Anﬁeld last week.

And now the 27-year-old goal ace has the Gunners in his sights with unbeaten Villa second in the table.

There might be a packed house of around 40,000 at Villa Park, but Agbonlahor know exactly where his special pal sits.

Moin Younis is the 14-year-old boy who the Villa ace draws inspiration from and who has become one of his dearest friends.

Moin suffers from a rare life-limiting condition, Epidermolysis Bullosa – a genetic condition which leaves him suffering from blisters both internally and externally from the slightest knock.

He’s a season ticket-holder and regular visitor to the club’s Villa Park training centre.

Agbonlahor ﬁrst met him through his work for Acorns Hospice but has since become such a good pal that he’s been to his house and made hospital visits on spec when the youngster has been ill.

HOT SHOT: Gabby scored the only goal against Liverpool last weekend [GETTY]

“He brightens me up because he’s an absolute inspiration. We’ve got some extraordinary supporters but, to me, he’s Villa’s No.1 fan”
~ Gabby Agbonlahor

Agbonlahor said: “All the lads know him because he’s such a livewire and, the funny thing is, he doesn’t mind telling you exactly how you’ve played either.

“He doesn’t beat about the bush giving his opinion. He’s an inspiration to me, never mind the other way around. The things he’s gone through are incredible and the things he faces up to on a daily basis are unbelievable.

"When you're a football you can feel a bit sorry for yourself when you pick up an injury. He’s taught me, it’s nothing. He makes me realise how fortunate we all are. He’s a friend now.”

Dad-of-two Agbonlahor adds: “He’s good for me, not the other way around. When I heard he was going through a really tough time I went to see him because I thought it would give him a lift and be a nice surprise.

“But he brightens me up because he’s an absolute inspiration. We’ve got some extraordinary supporters but, to me, he’s Villa’s No.1 fan.”

Former England star Agbonlahor revealed his close bond with the plucky teenager was even in his mind when he signed a new contract this week.

Agbonlahor revealed: “Honestly, when I signed my contract, I thought about him because he’d said to me ‘make sure you don’t leave’. I wouldn’t want to upset him!”

The teenager has a few things to be on top of the world about apart from the fact that his hero is sticking around.

Villa have shocked everyone with an unbeaten start which sees them sitting second in the table.

Moin said: “When Gabby came around my house when I was really sick, I couldn’t believe it.

“I can’t imagine many footballers who would do that. He treats me like a mate, not just as this little fan who wants his signature. He’s my hero. He’s got a heart of gold. Gabby has got no front to him. He’s just a normal guy.”

Agbonlahor would love nothing more than to send Arsenal packing for his mate and says there’s no reason Villa can’t do it.

“There’s a real buzz about the place at the moment. Everyone in the side is really working hard and playing well,” he said.

"We won't get carried away but things are pretty good after struggling last season.

“There’s a different feeling playing at home now. The crowd are right there with you and that makes a massive difference.

“It’s a while since we have beaten Arsenal at home. We’ve found it tough in recent years even though we did them away last season.

“They are never an easy side but we have to show the belief we’ve started with and get the crowd really buzzing.”

by Guest Sat Sep 20, 2014 7:14 am

Odd stats for a second place team - worst shot accuracy in the league of 24% - third worse possession level 37 % in the league and 2nd worse passing accuracy with 72% only palace worse .

by lukevilla Sat Sep 20, 2014 8:54 am

On the train to Villa park! Been up since 6!

by **Trotters** Sat Sep 20, 2014 10:29 am

Eastie wrote:Odd stats for a second place team - worst shot accuracy in the league of 24% - third worse possession level 37 % in the league and 2nd worse passing accuracy with 72% only palace worse .

If the stats were taken over a 12-15 game run then you might have reason to base an argument around them. As it stands, a few games aren't anywhere enough to conclude anything. And that includes the counter argument that we've a chance of winning the league.

It won't stop Gobbie Cabbage though... the dried up, crusty wank-sock.

by Jae1411 Sat Sep 20, 2014 11:28 am

Arsenal have conceded a headed goal in all 4 league games this season. Should suit lamberts game plan then.

by Guest Sat Sep 20, 2014 11:49 am

Jae1411 wrote:Arsenal have conceded a headed goal in all 4 league games this season. Should suit lamberts game plan then.

Be ok if Senderos starts to learn where the back of the net is.

by villabromsgrove Sat Sep 20, 2014 12:22 pm

I don't expect us to win, so that makes it a free match for us. Just throw the ~~passion and team spirit~~ elbows and studs at L'Arse and see if they crack!

by **Trotters** Sat Sep 20, 2014 1:13 pm

I fixed your post for you. Wink

by villabromsgrove Sat Sep 20, 2014 1:26 pm

Trotters wrote:I fixed your post for you.

Keane speak! Aston Villa v Arsenal all in one thread - Page 4 3769219917

by My Old Man Sat Sep 20, 2014 2:11 pm

Baker out due to virus, Clark steps in.

by Olof Mellberg Sat Sep 20, 2014 2:15 pm

Baker suprised me last week, now its time for Clark to put in a suprisingly good shift...

Id be happy with a point and remain unbeaten.

by Guest Sat Sep 20, 2014 2:15 pm

Strange Okore not given a chance to stake his claim.

by My Old Man Sat Sep 20, 2014 2:18 pm

Eastie wrote:Strange Okore not given a chance to stake his claim.

Bent also has a virus so the reason maybe that Okore could too. These things usually clear quickly, but spread through a squad quickly aswell.

by My Old Man Sat Sep 20, 2014 2:26 pm

Alexis Sanchez injured during warm up and out!

by roba19 Sat Sep 20, 2014 2:50 pm

Carlos Sanchez late change for Westwood! Injured in warm up or virus?

by villashrew Sat Sep 20, 2014 2:56 pm

This is just typical, we get on a good run of points and something pops up to piss on the chips! This virus though has given Sanchez his chance to claim his midfield spot for the future, lets hope has a good game and Clarke too.