---
title: "Flashback: Aston Villa narrowly miss out on Premier League return"
canonical: "https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/flashback-aston-villa-narrowly-miss-out-on-premier-league-return/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Matt Davies"
section: "Aston Villa"
published: "2019-05-25T06:10:58Z"
modified: "2019-06-19T10:47:20Z"
---

# Flashback: Aston Villa narrowly miss out on Premier League return

**Here it is Aston Villa fans, the moment you’ve all been waiting for. A chance for redemption. A single win away from a Premier League return was thwarted last season by Fulham in a truly devastating defeat. Now it’s Frank Lampard’s Derby County who will aim to spoil the party. While Villa now must enter the game as favourites, the miserable memories of last season’s heartbreak will certainly be playing on the minds of the fans, over and over again. So, let’s relive it once more — what harm could it do?**

Villa entered the final having finished 4th in the Championship, following it up with a 1-0 aggregate win over Middlesbrough in the play-off semi-final. They came up against formidable opponents in Fulham. Both teams with vast Premier League histories and both teams believing they were going to win.

As we all know, Fulham left Steve Bruce’s men feeling deeply frustrated. Finishing the match with 10 men and thoroughly on the back foot, the London club managed to hold on. Bitter disappointment for Villa supporters – who certainly vocalised their distress.

> I hope there’s a Statement from [@AVFCOfficial](https://twitter.com/AVFCOfficial?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) quickly on where we go next & their plans for next season. No time to feel sorry for ourselves. [#AVFC](https://twitter.com/hashtag/AVFC?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
>
> — Chris Dolan (@chris\_dolan) [May 27, 2018](https://twitter.com/chris_dolan/status/1000734046954115072?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

> Sad this morning as a Villan. But it was not meant to be. Beaten by the better team on the day. Congrats [@FulhamFC](https://twitter.com/FulhamFC?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw). Tough times ahead for [@AVFCOfficial](https://twitter.com/AVFCOfficial?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) but we will pull through. Some tough decisions for all. Up The Villa!
>
> — Adil Ray OBE (@adilray) [May 27, 2018](https://twitter.com/adilray/status/1000686008093077505?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

> Was heartbreaking. Learn and build and go again. Keep Bruce. Bring some of the kids in. Reenergise. Win every match. [#itsthehopethatkillsyou](https://twitter.com/hashtag/itsthehopethatkillsyou?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
>
> — Tim Reid (@timreid69) [May 27, 2018](https://twitter.com/timreid69/status/1000691776338956288?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

> Psychologically difficult starting from scratch when you lose a game like that. Roll on next season.
>
> — InkBlot (@BlinkBlotch) [May 27, 2018](https://twitter.com/BlinkBlotch/status/1000686592070168577?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

> Still hurting and heartbroken after yesterday BUT I will always be a Villan and will forever love [@AVFCOfficial](https://twitter.com/AVFCOfficial?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [#avfc](https://twitter.com/hashtag/avfc?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
>
> — Sam (@SamPennells) [May 27, 2018](https://twitter.com/SamPennells/status/1000651372310728704?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

> Still absolutely zero coverage of Bruce’s failings. It’s all about the club/players. The media bias towards SB is quite unbelievable!
>
> — Sgt Gilko (@SgtGilko) [May 27, 2018](https://twitter.com/SgtGilko/status/1000741535028252672?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

Yet, how the tables have now turned. Fulham have since been relegated back to the Championship, while the West Midlands club now enter the final as hot favourites. With the final just now a matter of hours away, the excitement will certainly be brewing if not bursting.

***What do you think Villa fans, are you in for another disappointment? Or is this your time to shine? Let us know by commenting below.***