We pick out five worrying stats from Aston Villa’s 2016/7 season.
Goals scored – 47
Despite having one of the most potent forwards in the Championship, Aston Villa were nowhere near good enough in front of goal to challenge at the right end of the division. Villa finished 21st in the league for goals scored – only above Birmingham City and relegated sides Rotherham United and Wigan Athletic.
19 of Villa’s goals were netted by Jonathan Kodjia. His nearest competitor for the club’s golden boot was midfielder Henri Lansbury, who bagged six after joining from Nottingham Forest in January.
Lansbury’s tally accounted for 15 of Villa’s goals scored from midfield –the 17th worst in the Championship. In contrast, Fulham’s midfield contributed an incredible 48 goals.
| Goals | Appearances | |
|---|---|---|
| Ipswich | 48 | 46 |
| Aston Villa | 47 | 46 |
| Birmingham | 45 | 46 |
| Rotherham | 40 | 46 |
| Wigan | 40 | 46 |
Big Chances Scored – 25
A big part factor behind Villa’s woes in front of goal was their inability to convert big chances. Steve Bruce’s side missed the 6th most in the division (46). Forward Scott Hogan failed to convert the most big chances in the division (20), although that includes his time at Brentford.
Accurate Corners – 75/242
Another frustration from Aston Villa’s campaign was their failure to take advantage of set-pieces. If Villa want to boost their goal tally next season, Bruce would be smart to work on the deliveries and movement at corners.
Error leading to goal 4th (10)
Even though Aston Villa racked up an impressive 14 clean sheets, they still had the 4th highest errors leading to goals in the division (10). Bruce will be keen to cut out these mistakes over the summer.
| Error Lead To Goal | Appearances | |
|---|---|---|
| Rotherham | 12 | 46 |
| Fulham | 11 | 46 |
| Norwich | 11 | 46 |
| Aston Villa | 10 | 46 |
Possession percentage – 46%
The importance of possession to winning games of football is still hotly debated, especially after Leicester City won the 2015/6 Premier League averaging just 42%.
Regardless, Aston Villa supporters will surely demand their side take control of more games next season. Only Preston North End, Burton Albion, Cardiff City and Rotherham United saw less of the ball.
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