This has not been the season Aston Villa would have hoped for so far. A refreshed squad following the sale of star man Jack Grealish to Manchester City has not brought the desired success yet. There is still more to come from Villa and securing Premier League safety will be the priority.
The Season so far
The season started off poorly, with only four points from their first four games. It may not sound too bad but with Villa playing Newcastle as well as promoted Watford and Brentford, the Villains would have expected more.
Aston Villa have picked up 22 points from their first nineteen games and are eleven points clear of the relegation zone. Defensive acquisitions may be required in January, but the Villains will be hoping to build on a topsy-turvy start to the season.
The Managers
Dean Smith came into the 2021/22 season hoping to build on an impressive second season back in the Premier League. An eleventh-place finish with 55points was a welcome return, and despite the sale of Jack Grealish in the summer, there was optimism surrounding Villa Park.
Three wins from eleven games however was enough for the Villa board to make a change of management, and Smith was no longer in charge. In came Steven Gerrard from Rangers, and four wins from eight games has been a welcome return for the Liverpool icon. More will be asked of Gerrard and the players in 2022, but he looks more than up to the challenge.
Player of the season so far
John McGinn has been a mainstay in the Aston Villa side since he joined from Hibernian in 2018. His energetic and aggressive style of play has made him a manager’s dream and Villa fans love his passion for the team. McGinn will be hoping to add to his three goals and two assists from central midfield in the new year, but under Gerrard, the Scotsman looks set to flourish.
Signing of the season
Villa brought in quality players for big money over the summer to fill the gap left by Grealish. However, it was the player that surprised everyone with his switch to Villa Park that has been the best of the bunch.
Danny Ings may not be having the most prolific season of his career so far, but with four goals and two assists, it seems he is starting to settle in with life in Birmingham. Gerrard will be hoping the Englishman can have an electric start to 2022 to get Villa up the table.
Most disappointing player
He may be captain of the football club, but Tyrone Mings has not been at the level expected of an English international. Rash decision making, along with poor positioning has meant the Villa captain has struggled at times, with defensive partner Ezri Konsa the more impressive of the two so far. If Mings does not improve, Villa may look at other options.
Grade so far: D+
