2012/2013 Season
Review:
With
the departure of the largely unpopular Alex McLeish at the end of the previous
year, and the arrival of new boss Paul Lambert from Norwich, Villa started the
season in positive, albeit nervous mood. With a number of unproven recruits from
the lower leagues of English football, and a big Belgian by the name of
Christian Benteke, Villa started the season rather worryingly, accruing only
one point from their opening three matches. This inconsistent form continued,
and whilst Villa did have highs, such as the victory in the Capital One Cup at
the Etihad over Manchester City, who had previously gone unbeaten there for the
best part of two years, the opening part of the season was one largely of
frustration for the Villa fans.
Of
particular frustration for Villa fans at the beginning of the season was Paul
Lambert’s seemingly nonsensical decision to leave Darren Bent, a proven Premier
League goalscorer on the sidelines for the new signing Benteke. Lambert’s
philosophy was clearly one of bringing the youngsters to the fore, and slowly
phasing out the old guard. Players such as Carl Baker, Matt Lowton, Fabien
Delph, Andreas Weimann and Benteke all received the opportunity to prove
themselves on the big stage. For the majority of the season, it appeared as
though this decision would backfire on the manager, as his side rarely escaped
the clutches of the bottom three throughout most of 2012. Whilst performances
were generally impressive, such as the 2-3 defeat at home to Manchester United
in November, the lack of experience often led to mistakes, which inevitably
cost the Villains points.
However,
as the season progressed, one player began to stand out. Christian Benteke’s
power, touch and goalscoring ability soon vindicated Lambert’s decision to
leave Darren Bent out. Benteke announced himself on the Premier League stage
during the 3-1 victory at Anfield. Two goals, and an outrageous backheel to
create the third illustrated exactly why Lambert spent £7 million on him from
Genk in the summer. After the euphoria of the Anfield win, typically Villa were
brought back to earth with a bump, being hammered in their next outing 8-0 at
Stamford Bridge. An appalling run of form during January saw Villa slip into
the bottom three once again, battling for survival became their primary aim. A
shame after the early season enthusiasm, but foreseeable with the lack of
experience at their disposal. No win in 7 League games, coupled with a
shambolic exit in the Capital One Cup Semi Final to Bradford over two legs, and
a poor defeat to Millwall in the FA Cup Fourth Round, extinguished all hope of
a trophy, and placed their survival hopes in the balance.
The
beginning of March saw a dramatic upturn in form and results, as Villa began to
believe they could escape trouble. Roared on by the 12th man in the
Holt End at Villa Park, Villa narrowly lost to Man City, but then proceeded to
earn back to back victories against two relegation rivals in Reading and QPR.
An incredibly valuable time to earn the first back to back victories of the
season. These results put Villa on the cusp of escaping relegation. Two further
relegation ‘six-pointers’ were to occur before what seemed the inevitable
relegation playoff between Wigan and Villa at the DW Stadium on the final day.
Firstly, a trip to the Britannia to face Stoke. An outstanding performance that
once again threatened to produce only one point instead of three until the 86th
minute. Then, step forward Matthew Lowton, with an absolute stunner from 30
yards into the top corner, to leave the Villa fans dreaming of survival. Even
more astonishing was Villa’s 6-1 demolition of Paolo di Canio’s in form
Sunderland. A result no-one saw coming, and one that practically guaranteed
Villa’s place in the Premier League for next season, rendering the ‘last day
showdown’ with Wigan irrelevant.
Aston
Villa, considering the lack of experience within their ranks, have performed
well to escape relegation. Having watched them several times this season, they
have never produced performances worthy of going down. They have lacked luck
and experience, something which Paul Lambert may need to address. However, they
showed signs towards the end of the season that they were beginning to gel,
something which bodes well for the next campaign.
Player of the Season:
Christian Benteke – The big Belgian has been a revelation at Villa Park
this year. His goals have almost single-handedly got Villa out of trouble and
his bullishness and strength on the ball have earned him many plaudits at home
and abroad. That £7 million is looking a snip now!
Game of the Season: Aston
Villa 6-1 Sunderland – Undoubtedly the most unbelievable result and performance
from the Villa players, arguably the culmination of all of Lambert’s hard work
to gel such an inexperienced team. Headed by hat-trick hero Benteke, this is
the Villa side the claret and blue army from Birmingham want to see more of
next season.
Summer Transfer
Targets (Who I Think They Need): Keeping hold of Benteke is an absolute
must for the Villians, as they appear resigned to lose Darren Bent this summer,
after several months of bench-warming duty. A little more steel and experience
in the midfield would be useful, in order to replace the retiring Stilian
Petrov, who has served the club admirably, and on a personal note, it was
wonderful to see the club and the fans honour him with the minutes applause
every home game. In terms of signings, perhaps someone like Wigan’s James
McCarthy, or Stoke’s Dean Whitehead to sure up the midfield. Other than that,
the progression of the youngsters should allow Lambert to challenge for a top
10 berth next year.
Transfer Gossip
Links:
In:
Dwight Gayle (Peterborough, CM)
Out:
Darren Bent (Fulham, ST), Christian Benteke (Arsenal,
Liverpool, Juventus, ST)
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