Aston Villa manager Remi Garde has suggested that Gabriel Agbonlahor could be his side's best chance of staying in the division this season.
The long-serving forward scored his first goal in 11 months to help Villa to a 2-0 victory over fellow strugglers Norwich City this afternoon, closing the gap to safety to eight points.
After the match, Agbonlahor insisted that his side could still avoid relegation from the top flight, and Garde is hopeful that the 29-year-old will be a central figure in any survival push.
"Scoring was very important for him because when you are a striker and not scoring for a long time it's very painful. We have 13 games to go and hopefully Gabby could be the one to help the team fight until the end. But it's not only about Gabby, it's about all the players around him," Garde told reporters.
"I'm pleased for him because he scored the kind of goal he likes to score. He scored brilliantly on this occasion and worked very hard for the team. He wasn't available [because of injury] and this was the problem. As soon as he was available he has been playing. I'm pleased he is back on track.
"I'm pleased for the players, they have been rewarded with the points. For a long time we have been playing that way. When the players behave like they did, fighting together and showing a good spirit, this is the way the fans want us to be."
Villa's victory was only their third in the Premier League this season.
Barney Corkhill
