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#2A: Improved – Aston Villa
2019-20 Standings: 17th (35 Points)
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2020-21 Standings: 11th (55 Points)
After avoiding relegation essentially by a matter of millimeters last year, Aston Villa were expected to struggle in the Premier League again this season. A combination of astute signings and experience from last year allowed Dean Smith and his men to finish comfortably mid-table in 11th.
Emiliano Martinez (15 clean sheets) and Matty Cash shored up the second leakiest defense since last year. The arrivals of Ollie Watkins & Bertrand Traore eased the attacking burden off Jack Grealish’s shoulders.
Anwar El Ghazi’s excellent form this campaign (10 goals) meant that Villa’s campaign stayed on track even after the injury to their talisman Grealish.
Despite tapering off a little towards the end of the campaign, Villa were one of the most entertaining teams. That was encapsulated by their stunning 7-2 victory over defending champions Liverpool earlier in the campaign.
They also completed a league double over Arsenal for the first time since the 1992-93 season. Villa ended their Premier League campaign strongly with a 2-1 victory over eventual Champions League winners Chelsea.
#2B: Declined – Burnley
2019-20 Standings: 10th (54 Points)
2020-21 Standings: 17th (39 Points)
Sean Dyche’s aim at the start of the season would have been to ensure top-flight status at Turf Moor at the end of the season. And that’s exactly what he managed to achieve. Despite finishing 17th, Burnley steered 11 points clear of the drop zone, indicating a comfortable end to their Premier League season.
With fans not allowed in the stadium, the Clarets found it tough to score at Turf Moor, netting just 14 times in 19 games. It was the third worst scoring record at home in the Premier League, after Sheffield United and Fulham.
Despite the lack of creativity around him, Chris Wood finished the season as Burnley’s top scorer with 12 goals. This meant he breached the double-figure barrier for goals in all four seasons at the club. To put things into context, the next highest scorer had three goals this season, highlighting the Kiwi’s importance to the team.
With new ownership at the club, fans will certainly be hoping of replicating their previous 10th place finish next campaign.
