February was supposed to be the month in which Aston Villa pulled away from the chasing pack and all but confirm their place in the Champions League positions.

After winning at Newcastle United for the first time in two decades, Villa failed to back up their victory on Tyneside, losing at home to 10-man Brentford. That defeat came after a shock 1-0 home loss to Everton.

A point at Bournemouth is never a bad result, but the goal conceded was avoidable, to say the least. A draw against Leeds United meant two more points dropped, before a woeful performance at Wolves saw Unai Emery’s team become just the second side to lose to them in the league this season.

Had Villa picked up more points from the 18 available against Everton, Brentford, Bournemouth, Brighton, Leeds and Wolves, they would not only be in a stronger position confidence-wise but also sitting comfortably in the race for a top five finish.

In five of the last six seasons, 68 points has been enough to secure a top-five finish. Villa are currently five wins and a couple...