The 2009-10 campaign was a season of consistent domestic success and cup ambition for Aston Villa. The Villans, under manager Martin O'Neill, finished 6th in the Premier League for the third consecutive year, securing another spot in the Europa League. They also enjoyed a memorable run to the League Cup Final at Wembley and the FA Cup Semi-finals. Spearheading the attack was John Carew with 17 goals across all competitions, while local hero Gabriel Agbonlahor led the league with 13, including the winner in the Birmingham Derby. It was a golden year built on the talent of James Milner and a strong defensive spine, cementing their status as a consistent top-six club.