Villa Enjoy Top Eight Glory Despite Shrinking Squad
The latest episode of the My Old Man Said podcast reflects on Aston Villa’s nail-biting Champions League group stage conclusion, the January transfer upheaval, and the highs and lows of the dramatic Celtic match at Villa Park.
Here are the three key topics the latest podcast episode covers in the show:
1. Mission Accomplished – Villa Secure Champions League Top Eight
The primary objective heading into the final group game was clear – securing a place in the Champions League top eight and avoiding the dreaded play-off round. The podcast breaks down how Villa’s early blitz against Celtic set the tone, but how familiar issues crept in to make it a more nervous night than it needed to be.
The discussion also highlights the crucial external results, including Atalanta’s failure to win in Barcelona, which ultimately secured Villa’s progression. The hosts reflect on how significant it is for Villa to bypass February’s play-off round, allowing Unai Emery more time to get his squad ready for the business end of the season.
2. The Duran Departure – Could it Have Waited ’til the Summer?
One of the biggest talking points in the show is the decision to sell Jhon Durán to the Saudi Pro League. The hosts debate whether Villa have made a huge mistake by weakening their attacking options midway through a Champions League campaign. Durán was viewed as Villa’s wildcard, a player capable of providing a different dimension against Europe’s elite. Recorded prior to Marcus Rashford’s loan-signing, questions are raised about whether Villa have weakened themselves unnecessarily in pursuit of getting ahead of financial stability under PSR regulations, rather than waiting to tackle it in the summer window.
3. Transfer Window Chaos – Have Villa Left It Too Late?
With Durán gone and injuries piling up, the focus shifts to the club’s last-minute scramble for reinforcements. The show discusses whether Monchi and the recruitment team have left it too late, as Villa urgently need a centre-back and an attacking addition to replace Durán. The debate also questions whether Villa are taking too many risks in selling before they have incoming deals locked-in, in a season where they are already stretched thin. Can Villa pull some late-window magic to strengthen the squad?
Listen below or on your favourite podcast apps, including Spotify and Apple.
UTV
Listen to the MOMS podcast shop on Spotify below
GET AD-FREE AND EXTRA SHOWS and JOIN MATCH CLUB
If you want ad-free advance versions of the shows and extra exclusive shows during the month and to join My Old Man Said’s 24/7 Villa community, Match Club, please do support the show by becoming a MOMS Member.
For more details and to become a member, click here: Become a MOMS Member
Follow the show on:
X/Twitter at @myoldmansaid / Threads at @myoldmansaid / Bluesky at @myoldmansaid and join the show’s listener facebook group The Mad Few.
Credits:
David Michael – @myoldmansaid
Chris Budd – @BUDD_music
