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It’s safe to say that the Villa have missed out on their best opportunity to play Champions League football in recent times. The ‘big four’ are getting stronger and stronger.
In addition, there is no doubt that Man City will be spending outrageous sums of cash when the transfer window reopens. Spurs look to be improving under the guidance of Redknapp and with some shrewd summer transfers could be well positioned to challenge the top four. Even Everton will be stronger next campaign. Considering they have been plagued with injuries all season and have managed to get to Wembley whilst still being hot on the heels of Villa for fifth place, surely an injury free season will allow them to improve further.
Expectations have soared at Villa Park this season. Following victory at Ewood Park on the 7th of February, Villa fans had every reason to be optimistic. After all, Villa were sitting pretty in third and genuinely looking as though the impossible (breaking into the ‘top four’) may just be possible.
How things have changed over the past few months. Villa’s league record since a comfortable 2-0 win against Blackburn Rovers is poor at best and worthy of any relegation candidate. Only 7 out of a possible 33 points have been amassed, which is frankly embarrassing! Martin O’Neill’s men may consider themselves lucky to be battling for fifth place on current form.
It is no coincidence that Villa’s recent poor form has occurred during the absence of skipper Martin Laursen. The man is not only a defensive rock but also an inspirational leader and a big threat from set pieces. He has been sorely missed in recent months and with uncertainty over his ability to recover from this latest setback, Martin O’Neill will have a tough job in finding someone to fill the boots of his irreplaceable captain.
It’s questionable whether the Barry transfer saga will continue in the summer. Are Liverpool still interested in the England international? If a decent offer comes in from the top four or abroad then I believe O’Neill will cash in. Villa have received great service from Barry who isn’t getting any younger and nearing the twilight of his career. From Gareth Barry’s perspective, if he does move to a Champions League contender there will be no guarantee of regular first team football. And in a World Cup year, will he be willing to risk sitting on the bench at Liverpool and giving someone else (possibly Steve Sidwell) the chance to catch the eye of Fabio Capello? It’s a no-brainer for me!
Many reasons or excuses can be made for Villa not making the Champions league. Pundits and fans alike have blamed burnout, a small squad, poor home form and a gruelling UEFA Cup campaign that began in early July. Sure, all these are contributing factors, but the simple explanation is that there are four better teams than the Villa.
If Aston Villa are to push for a Champions League spot next year and if Martin Laursen doesn’t return, heavy financial investment will be required defensively. Scoring goals has not been a big problem but keeping them out has. Birmingham born defenders Micah Richards and Joleon Lescott would fit into O’Neill’s transfer policy of buying predominantly British and would improve both the quality and size of the squad.
A strong finish to the season is essential to show that Villa are moving in the right direction. Holding onto key players and strengthening the squad, especially defensively has to be the main priority in the summer and who knows where the Villa will be this time next season.
One thing that is for sure though is six Premiership points, courtesy of the Blues!
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