Unai Emery has continued his outstanding work at Aston Villa by automatically taking them into the Champions League last 16. European competition has left the occasional hangover for Premier League form, but they are still right in contention for the top four.
Emery's fierce ambition was clear in his demands for reinforcements, especially after the £65m departure of maverick striker Jhon Duran to Al-Nassr in the Saudi Pro League.
Arsenal's advances for England striker Watkins were rebuffed, leaving Villa to back Emery's ambition with key signings as the transfer window closed.
Emery's track record of revitalising players will have Villa hoping he can get Marcus Rashford's career back on track following his loan move from Manchester United, while Marco Asensio, a three-time Champions League winner with Real Madrid, will add experience and street wisdom.