SPAMs main edge over us (for me at least), was their midfield (Rice/Soucek).
Even though we have signed Kamara, i still think its still the main difference.
SPAM have two players in Rice & Soucek who are decent on the ball, but powerful & aggressive (add tall to that also), which covers off so many weaknesses and strengths of other teams, while still being capable overall.
Where i think Villa, although competent in terms of vision/passing/driving forward, still lack core physicality, power etc, in the midfield area.