The 2013-14 campaign delivered a nervy Premier League survival for Aston Villa as The Villans finished a disappointing 15th, despite starting with a brilliant 3-1 opening-day victory over Arsenal. Leading the charge was the powerful Belgian striker Christian Benteke, whose 10 crucial league goals anchored the attack in a campaign built on deep struggles with home form and managerial inconsistency under Paul Lambert. It was a turbulent year that ultimately secured their top-flight status for another season and highlighted the crucial, match-winning importance of Benteke's individual brilliance.