The one thing Aston Villa need to rediscover to replicate an incredible season

With the end of Euro 2024 and the Copa America in the coming days, attention will soon turn to the new Premier League season and how Aston Villa’s campaign could shape up.

That was the topic of discussion on our latest Claret & Blue podcast as Dan Rolinson and John Townley looked back at Villa’s first three months of Premier League and Champions League action.

Yes, we are fashionably late in announcing the fixtures of the season, but better late than never…

Dan: “You know I love a cliché, John. We know the Champions League is going to be tough, so does that mean we have to get off to a good start in the Premier League? It’s important to get off to a good start and get points on the board quickly. .”

John: “Yes it is, but we know consistency is everything. I think without injuries we would have been on our way to where we thought we were going in the first 4 or 5 weeks of the season: to have the Champions League almost sealed with a few games to go.

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“Villa’s inconsistencies were down to a lack of options for me. I keep going back to that game at Brighton where we had to change so much after one injury. It completely ruined that game. We were relying on Robin Olsen for to keep us basically the game and even made a comeback from the penalty spot.

“Next season, yes, a good start would be ideal. But I think we all know that actually the main thing for us is consistency. That’s the crucial thing. We’ve lost Luiz, but we’ve got Barkley and, possibly another midfielder. We have two players – or in some cases three or four – in the position, which will be a big help.

“Looking at the fixtures that Villa face until the end of October, I think the fixtures are pretty good too. The first two games, West Ham away and Arsenal at home, are difficult. But if you look further, you’ve got Wolves, Ipswich, Everton and Fulham. There are quite a few home games.

“After West Ham, the next two away games are against newly promoted teams (Leicester and Ipswich). If we can get six points there, fantastic. We’re a good team. We shouldn’t go to places like that and think.” Oh, they’ll be ready.”I’d like to think we’re past that attitude, hopefully we’re better.

For more from the Claret & Blue Podcast, you can listen here.

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