Team Overview: Aston Villa is one of the oldest and most well-respected clubs in all of England. They have won seven titles in the top flight, as well as a whopping seven FA Cups. In fact, they are the 4th most successful team in Prem history. Of course, their best years came back during the 1920’s, so it’s been awhile since they were on top.
Top Performers: As a Yank, you know I have enormous respect for the EPL’s “Ironhorse”, Brad Friedel. The Ripken-like ”old man” still plays like a youngster, and he proved it with a paltry 1.24 GAA in 2009. John Carew was also good (11 goals and 3 assists), but Gabriel Agbonlahor’s career revival (12 goals and 5 assists) was key to Villa’s success.
Highest Highs: The Villans were the best team in the Prem from December to January. In just two months, they picked up 23 points with 7 wins, 2 draws and 0 – yes zero – losses. In fact, they outscored their opponents during that stretch by a score of 16-8 and from November 15, 2008 until February 15, 2009, they didn’t lose a single game.
Lowest Lows: Villa’s hot start burned them out @ the end of the season. In fact, they only won 2 games during April and May, but they lost five matches, including a 5-0 thrashing from the Reds. They did spoil Newcastle’s season by winning the season’s final game, but overall they must be disappointed they didn’t crack the top 5.
Future Outlook: Villa needs help on defense now that Barry has headed for greener pastures. In fact, Villa needs help everywhere, and their inability to keep up with the so-called “Big Four” in spending could be a huge detriment. If Villa loses Carew too, they will be in deep trouble. While I love Friedel, I am afraid he will face a firing squad in 2010.
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