So it was an unexpected end to the season.

For many, the last two games against Arsenal and Liverpool, we were credited with no chance of getting a point, let alone six.

After a game that proved that the possession game can work well against top quality opposition, Villa managed to not only win via a Stewart Downing goal, but to ensure a top half finish after a somewhat lacklustre season. When you look at the form over the end of the last few games, we have posed the sort of threat that a Champions League team would in terms of points. In terms of analysis, it was a good three points and we can now look on to the close season and see what the board has up their sleeve.

Ninth ain’t so bad

Whilst the points difference is what sets us apart from last season’s sixth (apart from the obvious place difference), to finish ninth is something of an achievement when you consider we have dealt with injury crises, revolts, losing our last manager at the start of the season, as well as having our current manager hospitalised. I don’t want to dwell on the negatives as this was a good close to the season, and it would be unfair to detract from how we’ve faced two tough games.

Add to that, not only have we finished ninth, we’ve silenced Albion by finishing above them as the highest Midlands club.

We’ve seen that buying a big player can have a big impact on the team. In Darren Bent, we have signed someone who is going to have a big contribution in terms of goals next season. He’s also managed to vindicate that moving to Sunderland was the right move, even if we only managed to finish one place above them.

Finishing off, and to top it off, Small Heath have been relegated. Goes to show that winning a cup isn’t everything when you can’t maintain your league status.

Remember you can still vote for your player of the season by voting on the right hand side of the page. Results will be announced mid week.

Leave a Reply