Aston Villa kicked off their season with a five-goal hammering at Newcastle United - and ended it in the same way at Crystal Palace.
But in between, oh boy. Unai Emery masterminded qualification for the Champions League, led the club to the last four in the Europa Conference League and set a club record for consecutive home victories.
And he did so against a string of long-term injuries to key players such as Tyrone Mings, Emi Buendia, Boubacar Kamara and Jacob Ramsey that would have floored lesser bosses. But the Spaniard has fostered a ‘no excuse’ culture at Villa Park and his players, led by striker Ollie Watkins, keeper Emi Martinez and skipper John McGinn responded magnificently.
They only failed to beat Liverpool out of the top six as Emery’s ferocious will-to-win transmitted itself to the players. It was some campaign - the best of a generation - the key now is to build upon it.
Here's how Emery's charges fared in a standout season for Villa...
Conte does little to ease Tottenham fears with dour response to Aston Villa loss
Emi Martinez
The Argentine keeper may be vying for the title of the Premier League ’s No.1 wind-up merchant but he is a monster presence in goal. Adds confidence to the rearguard. There aren’t many better. 8
Matty Cash
Athletic and energetic on the field. Likeable off it, the ‘Polish Cafu’ has enjoyed his best season yet in the Premier League. A threat going forward - may need to tighten up defensively - but an integral figure in all that’s good. 7.5
Ezri Konsa
Unai Emery’s go-to guy. Has been used at right-back but has improved hugely as a right-sided centre-half. Was rewarded with an England cap by former Villa centre-half Gareth Southgate. Always available, never lets Villa down. 8
Pau Torres
Villa’s best defence features the former Villarreal man whose range of passing and calmness under pressure were the hallmarks of a debut season he can be proud of. Niggle in the second half of the season reduced his game-time but an important figure nonetheless. 7.5
Pau Torres has been solid at the back for Villa (PA)Clement Lenglet
Conte launches astonishing rant over Tottenham ambitions after Aston Villa loss
The stopper was signed as cover once the seriousness of Tyrone Mings’ injury was discovered. Found his path to the first-team blocked by Pau Torres and didn’t really convince. Not the worst but it’s difficult to see him returning now his loan from Barcelona has ended. 6
Lucas Digne
The France international linked up well down the left and looks neat and tidy but and probably wouldn’t have played so much had Alex Moreno not been injured. At times, looks light, defensively. 6.5
Diego Carlos
Bought for big money during the Steven Gerrard era but was injured for a large chunk of the season before last. He’s featured this time out. Has performed reasonably. Certainly looks the part, maybe not so good actually playing it. 6
Douglas Luiz
On his day, wouldn’t look out of place in any Premier League team. And that includes Manchester City from where Villa bought him. Always has an answer. Can be petulant at times but he makes Villa tick with his sound decision-making. 8
Douglas Luiz and John McGinn have been an outstanding pairing in midfield (Getty Images)John McGinn
Villa’s skipper leads from the front. Much better player than he is given credit for. The beating heart of the club’s revival and Unai Emery’s onfield lieutenant. Ensures order off the pitch, too. His contribution has been key. 8.5
Boubacar Kamara
Until the unfortunate injury to his cruciate ligament, the France international was pivotal in Villa’s midfield. The yin to Luiz’s yang, he tidied up around the Brazilian, affording him the platform to dominate. A strong presence that complimented his colleagues perfectly. More to come. 7.5
Youri Tielemans
A slow-burner to start with as the Belgian couldn’t get any game-time. He didn’t do much, either, to suggest he warranted it. But as the season progressed, he developed into a crucial part of the side that made a push for the top four. Another who should improve. 7
Jacob Ramsey
Plenty was expected of the goalscoring midfielder after he returned with a winners’ medal from the European Championships last year. Unfortunately, two broken metatarsals hampered his progress. He’s a better player than this score suggests but his involvement was minimal. 6
Morgan Rodgers
A surprise signing during the January transfer window from Middlesbrough for an initial £8m fee, the former West Brom academy graduate returned to his home-town and has caught the eye with his powerful running and playmaking. Will be a big asset. 7.5
Moussa Diaby has flourished in spells since joining from Bayer Leverkusen (AFP via Getty Images)Moussa Diaby
A club record signing when bought from Bayer Leverkusen, Diaby had a mixed campaign. He started brightly but faded and only recovered his better form as the season drew to a close. Emery has called this his ‘adaptation’ year. There’s something there, undoubtedly. 7
Leon Bailey
If there is one player who looks transformed under Emery, it’s the Jamaica international. Looked on the periphery under Gerrard, refuses to be cast in that role under the Spaniard who has lit a fire under him. A major plus this season. 8
Jhon Duran
Has been described as ‘a bit nuts,’ by skipper John McGinn. The 20-year-old striker is a powerhouse but immature and incapable - yet - of harnessing his talents over 90 minutes in the Premier League. Emery is committed to giving him another year. It will be interesting to see where he is in 12 months’ time. 6.5
Ollie Watkins
Villa’s star man. It’s difficult to know where the club would be without him. Certainly not in the Champions League. He scored 19 Premier League goals and delivered 13 assists. Deserves to go to the European Championships with England. And he can improve, too. 9
and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our
Read more similar news:
Comments:
comments powered by Disqus
