Garde: Agbonlahor can help us fight until the end

Mark Holmes
Remi Garde: Warning for Villa

Remi Garde: Warning for Villa

Remi Garde was pleased to see Gabby Agbonlahor end his goal drought for Aston Villa against Norwich City and hopes he can keep scoring until the end of the season.

has eased his pain after the striker ended an 11-month goal drought to beat Norwich.

The forward scored his first goal since March 2015 as Villa downed the Canaries 2-0 to move eight points from safety.

Joleon Lescott’s header opened the scoring, with Villa sealing just their third Premier League win of the season, although they remain bottom.

Garde previously admitted he had a disagreement with Agbonlahor after his arrival, with the striker struggling for form and fitness, but believes the goal could breathe new life into the 29-year-old.

“Scoring was very important for him because when you are a striker and not scoring for a long time it’s very painful,” he said.

“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.

“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.”

Agbonlahor’s goal, six minutes after the break, was his 73rd strike league strike for Villa and helped the Midlanders to a deserved win.

“I’m pleased for the players, they have been rewarded with the points,” added Garde.

“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.”