From finding themselves in the relegation zone at one point to qualifying for the UEFA Europa Conference League play-offs, it has been a rollercoaster of a season for Aston Villa.
Unai Emery has led Aston Villa to Europe for the first time in 13 years despite succeeding Steven Gerrard last November amid relegation worries. The Villans have recently agreed terms with Monchi to become their sporting director, and with the club set to play in Europe next term, they will be an attractive proposition for players.
However, Villa are far from a finished article under Emery and must still improve in many areas to challenge for a top-four finish next term. That said, here are the three main areas Emery must focus on improving.
- Emphasise recruiting a quality striker
Ollie Watkins enjoyed a highly productive 2022-23 campaign for Villa, scoring 15 goals and providing six assists in 37 Premier League games. He was the club’s top scorer and unsurprisingly one of their best players in a memorable season.
Villa have opened talks with Watkins over a new contract as they are desperate to keep hold of him. But beyond the Englishman, Emery has no recognised striker who can supply goals when called upon. An injury to Watkins next season would leave Villa in trouble, so Emery must prioritise adding more depth up front.
- Add more sources of goals
Aston Villa were the lowest scorers among the top 10 teams in the Premier League, managing only 51 goals in 38 games. Watkins was Villa’s top scorer with 17 goals across all competitions and their only player to hit double figures last term. Watkins’ nearest competitor was Danny Ings (9 goals), who left the club for West Ham in the January transfer window.
Douglas Luiz and Jacob Ramsey have also chipped in with seven and six goals, respectively, but a lack of source of goals is a cause of concern for Villa. There cannot be much blame pinned on Watkins as he did his job very well and added consistency to his scoring rate this year, despite losing his strike partner Watkins in January.
If Villa are to go to the next level, Emery must find more sources of goals—be that from forwards or midfielders.
- Improve the squad’s defensive depth
In the centre of defence, the priority should be to recruit a reliable player who can challenge Tyrone Mings and Ezri Konsa for a place in the starting XI.
Mings was stripped of captaincy and lost his first-team place under Steven Gerrard at the start of the season. Emery’s arrival has been the catalyst for the Englishman to play the best football of his career. Konsa has also looked solid under Emery but he needs someone to challenge, with Calum Chambers not doing enough.
Diego Carlos managed only three league outings after sustaining a cruel Achilles injury, and how he recovers will be something to keep an eye on. For a Villa team that will compete in Europe next season and try to break into the top six, beefing up the defensive ranks in this transfer window should be made a top priority.