Aston Villa review

Skysports.com casts an analytical eye over Aston Villa's 2009/10 season.

ASTON VILLA What Went Right? Two visits to Wembley for a Carling Cup final and an FA Cup semi-final took Villa so very close to silverware, while the first half of the season took them so very close to a Champions League place. In the end they ended up with nothing but a spot in the Europa League but it has still been a fine season for Villa, who snapped up one of the bargains in the summer in Richard Dunne. James Milner was a revelation thanks to a tactical switch into the middle, while John Carew had his best season in a Villa shirt. What Went Wrong? A spell over the New Year where they ran out of ideas and goals cost them a Champions League place and although they ended the season strongly, they had lost far too much ground in that key period. Home form was particularly poor all season and fans began to get restless as their manager appeared reluctant to make tactical changes. O'Neill also lost friends among neutrals with his reaction to Arsene Wenger's perfectly harmless 'long balls' comments, while rumours continue to abound that he will leave in the summer because the chairman is no longer willing to bankroll the club. Are They Happy? In the main - though it has been another 'nearly' season for Villa. Can they make that next step? And will O'Neill be the man to attempt that leap? Signing of the season Richard Dunne. The stopper proved a marvellous capture from Manchester City and formed a solid partnership with fellow newcomer James Collins. Stephen Warnock was also a decent acquisition as Martin O'Neill reworked his back four. Flop of the season Stewart Downing. His exclusion from Fabio Capello's 30-man England squad is an indication of his form this campaign. Sure, he started the season injured but the return thus far from over £10million spent has not been impressive. Star man: James Milner. The youngster benefited from being shifted into a more central position with his energy and ability on the ball allowed to flourish in this role. He is now considered a certainty to go to South Africa such is his form and versatility. Breakthrough player As Dunne has been awarded the signing of the season gong, Collins should arguably land this particular prize. The former West Ham player was a rock for Villa this campaign with his performances at the back hugely impressive. High point Reaching the Carling Cup final. Indeed, it ended sour, but on another day they could have come away with victory. Fans also were rewarded with another trip to Wembley, this time in the FA Cup, but that also ended in disappointment. Their victory at Old Trafford also caught the eye. Low point Another slump. Form post Christmas was poor before they eventually turned things around. Evidence of their fatigue and small squad was highlighted during their 7-1 humiliation at Chelsea.