Aston Villa’s 1982 season was the most glorious in the club’s modern history, highlighted by their stunning European Cup triumph. Under manager Tony Barton, who succeeded Ron Saunders mid-season, Villa defied the odds to conquer Europe.

After a solid domestic campaign that saw them finish 11th in the First Division, their focus turned to Europe, where they beat Anderlecht, Dynamo Kyiv, and CSKA Sofia to reach the final. On 26 May 1982, in Rotterdam, Villa defeated Bayern Munich 1–0, thanks to Peter Withe’s goal and heroic goalkeeping from substitute Nigel Spink.

The victory crowned Aston Villa as champions of Europe, the pinnacle of their proud history.

Aston Villa’s 1987/88 season marked a turning point as the club began to recover from recent struggles. Under manager Graham Taylor, appointed after relegation the previous year, Villa immediately mounted a strong promotion challenge in the Second Division.

Led by key players such as Allan Evans, Paul Elliott, Tony Daley, and David Platt, the team combined defensive solidity with growing attacking confidence. Their consistency paid off — Villa finished second, securing automatic promotion back to the First Division at the first attempt.

Taylor’s disciplined management and Platt’s emergence as a driving force laid the foundation for Villa’s return to top-flight stability and eventual resurgence in the early 1990s.

Aston Villa’s 1987/88 season marked a turning point as the club began to recover from recent struggles. Under manager Graham Taylor, appointed after relegation the previous year, Villa immediately mounted a strong promotion challenge in the Second Division.

Led by key players such as Allan Evans, Paul Elliott, Tony Daley, and David Platt, the team combined defensive solidity with growing attacking confidence. Their consistency paid off — Villa finished second, securing automatic promotion back to the First Division at the first attempt.

Taylor’s disciplined management and Platt’s emergence as a driving force laid the foundation for Villa’s return to top-flight stability and eventual resurgence in the early 1990s.

Aston Villa’s 1994/95 season was a difficult one marked by struggle and transition. Under manager Ron Atkinson, the team started poorly, slipping into a relegation battle. Atkinson was dismissed in November, and Brian Little took over, beginning a gradual rebuilding process.

Villa finished 18th in the Premier League, narrowly avoiding relegation by just one point. Despite inconsistency, there were bright spots — notably Mark Bosnich’s heroics in goal and Dean Saunders’ goalscoring efforts. The campaign also saw future key players like Dwight Yorke begin to emerge.

Though disappointing overall, the season laid the groundwork for Villa’s strong revival under Little in the following years.

Aston Villa’s 1995/96 season was one of their best of the 1990s under manager Brian Little. After narrowly avoiding relegation the previous year, Villa transformed into one of the Premier League’s strongest sides, combining solid defence with sharp attacking play.

They finished fourth in the Premier League, securing a return to Europe, and triumphed in the Coca-Cola Cup (League Cup), beating Leeds United 3–0 in the final at Wembley thanks to goals from Savo Milošević, Ian Taylor, and Dwight Yorke.

Key figures included Paul McGrath, Mark Draper, Steve Staunton, and Yorke, whose flair and goals made Villa one of England’s most exciting teams that season.

Aston Villa’s 1995/96 season was one of their best of the 1990s under manager Brian Little. After narrowly avoiding relegation the previous year, Villa transformed into one of the Premier League’s strongest sides, combining solid defence with sharp attacking play.

They finished fourth in the Premier League, securing a return to Europe, and triumphed in the Coca-Cola Cup (League Cup), beating Leeds United 3–0 in the final at Wembley thanks to goals from Savo Milošević, Ian Taylor, and Dwight Yorke.

Key figures included Paul McGrath, Mark Draper, Steve Staunton, and Yorke, whose flair and goals made Villa one of England’s most exciting teams that season.

Aston Villa’s 2011/12 season was a troubled campaign marked by fan unrest and underachievement. Managed by Alex McLeish, controversially appointed from rivals Birmingham City, Villa struggled for form and identity throughout the Premier League season.

Injuries to key players like Darren Bent and the sale of stars such as Ashley Young and Stewart Downing weakened the squad. Despite the emergence of youngsters Andreas Weimann and Barry Bannan, results were poor, with Villa winning only 7 of 38 matches.

They finished 16th, just two points above the relegation zone — their lowest top-flight finish in years. McLeish was dismissed soon after the season ended, prompting another managerial reset.