Aston Villa endured another frustrating afternoon today as they were held at home by QPR, meaning they stay five points behind the top six.

Dean Smith's side took the lead through Tammy Abraham but their defensive frailties were on show again, with Luke Freeman and Eberechi Eze turning things around.

Even though Abraham got a second, it still wasn't what Villa would've hoped for and highlighted how much work needs to be done by the former Brentford boss.

There's no doubt that the boyhood fan has transformed things since taking over but it's clear to see Villa are missing a lot in terms of being able to challenge for promotion.

Here we look at THREE things the manager needs to sort to make this a memorable year for the club...

Everyone connected to Villa will be extremely concerned at reports suggesting Abraham will go back to Chelsea.

His brace today took him to 16 goals in 20 games - a quite remarkable record. It shows how important he is and Smith must do all he can to keep him at the club.

If not, replacements need to be lined up but it could be very tough to bring in a player of similar class.

Once again, Villa's defensive issues were on show again today as they conceded another two goals.

That's going to be the major problem for the side moving forward and it's what will stop them making a return to the Premier League.

Whether it's improving the current group or signing new players, something needs to be done.

Another concern for Smith is how the side struggle to win without Grealish.

It's no coincidence that their poor recent run has come without the local lad and it is understandable because he's a class act at this level.

However, it can't keep going on. The manager has to find a way to win consistently without his star man, which could include changing the system to get more balance without the attacking midfielder.