Gabriel Agbonlahor is convinced Aston Villa have the rest of the Premiership rattled.
The striker said: "We were disappointed we didn't finish higher than last season but we still picked up more points than last season and so are improving.
"I think it was a better season than last season because clubs were more scared of us, especially coming to Villa Park, but also when we went to their grounds.
"Clubs did fear us. We went to the top four away and caused them problems. We went to Manchester United and did that and it was the same with Arsenal away.
"Now We just have to try and continue that next season.
"Teams were more defensive against us, dropped back a lot. A lot of them played with effectively a back five and just tried to defend against us.
"It was a credit to our attacking force."
Agbonlahor is optimistic Villa can mount a sustained challenge for a Champions League spot next season.
He said: "It will be hard to go to the next step but we are capable of doing it. There is a lot of quality at the club and I am sure the gaffer will look to bring more in."