My Prediction at the beginning of season for Aston Villa: 11th

Jose Mourinho's exclusive World Cup analysis
Final table position: 15th

Aston Villa’s season can be summarized in one word: injuries.  It’s incredible how many times we saw them on top of Physioroom’s Injury Table – reaching double digit concerns at times.  It’s a bit surprising to me to see how many experts consider their season an utter failure.  Yes, they played poorly.  Yes, they were only five points above the relegation zone.  But can you really blame Paul Lambert?  When your two best strikers are out for the season, there is only so much you can do.

Christian Benteke, Libor Kozak, Ron Vlaar, and Gabby Agbonlahor all missed extended time through injuries and winning with a cheap, injured squad is harder than it seems.  Lambert had some strong words towards the end of season and I agree with him - “staying up is one of the greatest things [he’s] done”.  The final verdict:  four spots behind the predicted after a series of season-ending injuries should give Paul Lambert another year on the job.

The biggest concern for Villa this season was that their new signings didn’t really work out.  Bulgarian youngster Aleksander Tonev only started six games and failed to live up to expectations.  Striker Nicklas Helenius wasn’t even in the game squad after Christian Benteke and Libor Kozak went down.  Helenius is not expected to be a part of Villa’s squad next season, according to his agent.  Antonio Luna wasn’t much better.  They’ll need better luck with this summer’s transfers.