Aston Villa 2012/13 Season Review Part 3

Welcome to the final part of our season review where we look back at Villa’s final steps to survival in the league, players of the season & what players Villa need to improve on this seasons campaign.

We shall not be moved – March

Villa started March with a tough  loss 0–1 to Manchester City at Villa Park.

However, Villa then won back to back matches in the Premier League for the first time since May 2011, after beating two major relegation rivals in Reading and QPR.

The next match, however, saw Villa defeated 1–2 by Liverpool at Villa Park, seeing them again slip into the relegation zone on goal difference.

Cloud 9 Villans – April

April  started perfectly, with a 3–1 away victory over Stoke City at the Britannia Stadium. But the game would be remembered for a spectacular volley from Matthew Lowton. From 30 yards out, Lowton chested down a clearance from a corner and sweetly struck the ball past Stoke keeper Begovic.

A 1–1 draw in their next game against Fulham meant the points were shared.

Villa then faced Manchester United, with United being crowned champions if they won. They did so, 3–0, after Robin Van Persie scored a hat-trick within the first half.

Home fans would see Villa thrash Sunderland 6–1 at Villa Park, giving them their best result of the season and of Paul Lambert’s reign. The result was also Villa’s biggest home win in 17 years and the first time they had scored six in a match since the 2007-08 season. Fans knew, a win against Norwich and Villa would met that magical 40 point target.

The Adventure Ends… For Now – May

The first game of the month saw Villa continue their good form by beating Norwich City 2–1 at Carrow Road.

Villa lost their last home game of the season 1–2 against Chelsea. Frank Lampard became Chelsea’s all-time top scorer as he scored both of their goals.

The final game of the season came against Wigan Athletic. The match finished 2–2 and this would see Villa finish the season in 15th place, five points clear of relegation.

This would allow the travelling fans the chance to say thank you and goodbye to captain Stiliyan Petrov, who fought a tough battle against acute leukemia which all fans are thankful he is now in remission. He would be quickly offered a job by manager Paul Lambert, which he accepted and became a member of the Scotsman’s backroom staff as assistant of the Youth Development squad, working alongside Gordon Cowans.

Player of the Season

Many would say Christian Benteke would be their player of the season for his goals which without a doubt would of certainly seen Villa go down. For me, I think the outstanding candidate is goalkeeper Brad Guzan.

He pulled off a number of saves which kept Villa in games and was commanding in goal from start to finish. Again, without having the American between the sticks, Villa would of certainly gone down. In my opinion I feel Guzan was overlooked when the league chose their team of the year. But, he was recognised in the BBC team of the year along side team mate Benteke.

Young Player of the Season

There have been so many outstanding candidates for young player of the season. Westwood, Sylla, Lowton, Andi Weimann are all in this category. Benteke though is the one which stands out a mile.

Without his goals, Villa would in the Championship next season. He also had several key moments that Villa fans will remember including his first goal against Swansea, bulldozing Smalling and setting up Weimann’s goal, dominating against Liverpool and his hat-trick against Sunderland are, but some, of the awesome moments the 22 year has brought us.

Most Improved Player of the Season

Many again would suggest Andi Weimann would be in for a shout. He has got better with every game.

Gabby, is the one for me. I say this as I cannot remember the forward having such a consistent campaign from start to finish.

He has looked fast, sharp, and has scored some great goals to keep Villa in the league. Gabby went down as a great  for beating Yorke’s goal scoring record. I can easily see the lad reaching 100 before he has to hang up his boots with Villa.

What players do Villa need to progress next season?

There are several lower league players I feel could step up to the plate. Luke Murphy has to be a candidate for coming into Villa and making an impact. He has been impressive at Crewe & Villa were SUPPOSEDLY mentioning the midfielder back in January.

Aaron Cresswell is again, another player who would fit into the Villa line up with no issues at all. He could easily slot into that left back role & make it his own. I’d like Villa to look at a keeper for the future & George Long of Sheffield United would fit that criteria perfectly.

Overseas is a different kettle of fish. Lambert has a keen eye for talent when it comes to players from foreign leagues. Take Benteke, nobody knew who the lad was but has been very impressive at Villa since joining & could easily be sold on for a big profit.

With the likes of Tonev, Belhanda & Jores Okore being mooted as potential incoming targets, I think Lambert & Villa will be very coy with their transfers targets & find a few hidden gems.