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30 Greatest Teams in Premier League History

By Benjamin Taylor

Who will lift this trophy in May and join these 30 teams among the greatest ever to compete in the English Premier League? (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
Who will lift this trophy in May and join these 30 teams among the greatest ever to compete in the English Premier League? (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images) /
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28. Aston Villa, 2007-09

LONDON – DECEMBER 26: Gareth Barry of Aston Villa (C) is congratulated by teammates after scoring his team’s fourth and equalising goal during the Barclays Premier League match between Chelsea and Aston Villa at Stamford Bridge on December 26, 2007 in London, England. (Photo by Ian Walton/Getty Images)
LONDON – DECEMBER 26: Gareth Barry of Aston Villa (C) is congratulated by teammates after scoring his team’s fourth and equalising goal during the Barclays Premier League match between Chelsea and Aston Villa at Stamford Bridge on December 26, 2007 in London, England. (Photo by Ian Walton/Getty Images) /

Starting XI: B. Friedel (GK); L. Young, C. Davies, M. Laursen, N. Shorey; A. Young, G. Barry, S. Petrov, J. Milner; G. Agbonlahor, J. Carew.

I have always been a fan of Martin O’Neill. He’s a talented and intelligent manager, and I’m constantly surprised that the revolving door of managers in the Premier League no longer features the Northern Irishman. It all stems back to the Villa side he built from 2007-09.

The unfashionable pairing of Davies and Laursen in central defence proved to be solid in front of the ever-reliable Brad Friedel; the full backs were pacy, skilful and loved to attack; and the midfield offered youth on the wings and solidity in the middle. Barry was quietly emerging as one of the league’s finest holding midfielders, while Stiliyan Petrov was at his exuberant best, Between them, the partnership of Agbonlahor and Carew up front produced 51 goals over the course of two seasons, and few defences could cope with their combination of pace and power. All this led to consecutive 6th place finishes, and some wonderfully entertaining football. O’Neill’s side were, in fact, perennial top-four challengers, before the likes of Barry, Milner, and Ashley Young sealed big money moves away from Villa Park.

The end of the Martin O’Neill era quickly followed, and Villa’s transfer dealings and choice of managers have both been found wanting ever since.

Next: No. 27

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