Aston Villa have been threatening to deliver the feelgood story of the season but are experiencing turbulence at a worrying moment.
Unai Emery has defied so many obstacles so far in this campaign so this untimely stumble will be a huge concern in the club’s pursuit of a Champions League place.
Advertisement
This was another miserable Molineux ordeal, with Emery now failing to win in five visits and defender Ezri Konsa appearing to angrily remonstrate with Villa fans after the final whistle.
Injuries to key players are proving a big problem, as well as just five goals scored in their last eight Premier League games.
Villa fans were scratching their heads that it took Emery until the 70th minute to introduce substitute Tammy Abraham, as first-choice striker Ollie Watkins endured another tough evening. Emery is also under increasing scrutiny from those fans for his team selection and sticking with underperforming players.
Advertisement
Though Villa remain in third place, the last few weeks have raised fears that a mini-wobble could be something more serious. This was arguably their worst performance of the season, against a Wolverhampton Wanderers team who have lost 20 of their 29 league games.
During his time with Arsenal and Aston Villa, Unai Emery has drawn once and lost four times away at Wolves – David Klein/Reuters
Qualification for next season’s Champions League remains the prime objective and Emery needs to find solutions quickly.
“We are having a great season and we need the energy of the supporters at this moment,” he said. “Now is the moment to be together and to understand how we are where we are. Today we did not achieve what we needed but it’s still in our hands to get into a top position.
Advertisement
“We need to be together – coaches, players and supporters – so we must remind ourselves of where we were in September. We are competing against great teams and they are favourites, but we are still here at match 28.”
Wolves are going down but can at least take some solace from a wretched season with a win over their local rivals.
João Gomes marked his recall to the starting XI with a fine goal before Rodrigo Gomes, a substitute, struck in the eighth minute of added time.
Though Wolves insist it has never been mentioned internally, their second league win under Rob Edwards enabled them to avoid an unwanted record. Wolves have the dubious honour of collecting two more points than the record low total of 11 by Derby County in the 2007-08 season.
Advertisement
Edwards said: “I’m really proud and that’s why I came here, for nights like this. I know we are in a difficult position but I love football like that, it’s brilliant.
“The end was a special moment and it was nice to show some emotion and connect with the supporters. We never want to give up hope but let’s be realistic. We didn’t want that Derby tag but it wasn’t something that was weighing me down.”
While there was a rare moment of cheer for Wolves, where do Villa go from here, after such an underwhelming night?
With the visit of Chelsea to Villa Park looming on Wednesday night, this feels like a pivotal moment in their season.
Advertisement
Yet their recent run of poor results has raised fears over the season fizzling out, with John McGinn, Youri Tielemans and Boubacar Kamara all currently sidelined. Any team would struggle without performers of that quality.
Even without those crucial players, Villa still occupy a position many perceived bigger clubs would happily accept, but this performance will only ramp up the tension.
While Villa’s season remains very much alive, it has been the season from hell for Wolves. Bottom since the end of August, they have been preparing for the Championship since the turn of the year.
The majority of their fans have already accepted relegation, and Edwards is counting down the days until a big summer reset. This West Midlands derby always offered a chance to register a welcome positive moment.
Advertisement
Rain was hammering down all evening, limiting both teams, and there were few chances created on the sodden turf. Villa were clearly lacking conviction in attacking areas and their problems in front of goal are no surprise. Watkins and Emiliano Buendía, in particular, just could not get going.
Emery was becoming increasingly frustrated and there was one moment when he shouted angrily at Jadon Sancho for a perceived lack of effort.
The question was when Villa’s head coach would make the changes. It was Ross Barkley and Leon Bailey who were surprisingly introduced first, and shortly after they entered the field came the opening goal in the 61st minute.
Wolves’ fans had been going through the entire catalogue of songs dedicated to past players, until João Gomes provided the crucial contribution. Jackson Tchatchoua’s cross was controlled by Adam Armstrong into the path of Gomes, who smashed a shot in off the underside of the bar. Molineux erupted.
“1-0 to the Championship” was the chant from the South Bank.
Advertisement
Emery did respond by bringing on Abraham as time ticked away but Villa never looked capable of snatching an equaliser.
As Villa mounted late pressure, Wolves broke on the counter and Rodrigo Gomes converted from close range to seal the win.
10:31pm
Rob Edwards reacts
“Really proud, that’s why I came here, nights like that, to connect with the supporters like that. I know we are in a difficult position but I love football tonight like that, it’s brilliant.
“We were really committed, we didn’t get everything right in the first half, but Villa are good and clever, they can manipulate you and make it difficult to press.
Advertisement
“Second half was excellent. We really grew into the game and were really good against a brilliant team. You have to be good to get a result against them.”
Rob Edwards celebrates at the end of the match – Michael Regan/Getty Images
10:28pm
Villa fans frustrated with Villa
10:17pm
Problems for Villa
10:13pm
The bottom of the table as it stands
That win gives Wolves their second of the season. But also means they avoid being the worst-ever Premier League team in terms of points. That record will stay with Derby (11)
10:00pm
FULL TIME: Wolves 2 Aston Villa 0
What a finish. A fully deserved win for Wolves. By far the better team.
As for Villa, that is hugely disappointing. They are third on 51 points but Man Utd, Chelsea and Liverpool will all believe they can get them.
09:57pm
90+7mins: Wolves 2 Aston Villa 0 GOAL
BEDLAM AT MOLINEUX!!!
Advertisement
Wolves clear the ball and hit Villa on the counter. J Gomes gets into the box and has a shot blocked and the loose ball falls to Rodrigo Gomes, who fires into the net.
09:56pm
90+6mins: Wolves 1 Aston Villa 0
Massive save from Sa to block Onana’s shot.
09:55pm
90+5mins: Wolves 1 Aston Villa 0
Every successful Wolves is being cheered. Two mins to go!
09:51pm
90+2mins: Wolves 1 Aston Villa 0
Cash trips up Mane and receives a yellow card.
Wolves sub:
OFF Armstrong
ON R. Gomes
09:50pm
90+1mins: Wolves 1 Aston Villa 0
Emery has lost it on the touchline. He is convinced there should be more than seven minutes.
09:49pm
90mins: Wolves 1 Aston Villa 0
Seven minutes added on!
09:47pm
89mins: Wolves 1 Aston Villa 0
As the time ticks on, Villa are starting to up the pressure but Wolves are bravely resisting so far. This would be a terrible result for Villa in their race to reach the Champions League.
Advertisement
Wolves sub:
OFF Andre
ON Angel Gomes
09:44pm
85mins: Wolves 1 Aston Villa 0
Villa sub:
OFF Watkins
ON Alysson
09:39pm
80mins: Wolves 1 Aston Villa 0
Wolves sub:
OFF Bellegarde
ON Arokadare
09:36pm
76mins: Wolves 1 Aston Villa 0
Some life from Villa. Barkley slips a lovely pass into Maatsen and the left-back’s shot is straight at Sa, who parries the effort before his defenders eventually clear it.
09:33pm
74mins: Wolves 1 Aston Villa 0
Another clear yellow card issued as Bailey pulls back Bueno.
09:30pm
71mins: Wolves 1 Aston Villa 0
After a three-minute stoppage, we are back underway. Very strange…
09:29pm
70mins: Wolves 1 Aston Villa 0
Villa subs:
Advertisement
OFF Digne, Buendia
ON Abraham, Maatsen
09:28pm
68mins: Wolves 1 Aston Villa 0
A delay here as referee Pawson runs off the field to fix an issue with his earpiece.
09:23pm
63mins: Wolves 1 Aston Villa 0
Now let’s see what Villa are made of. They have collected the most points (19) from losing positions and need the likes of Rogers and Watkins to step up.
09:20pm
61mins: Wolves 1 Aston Villa 0 GOAL
AT LONG LAST WE HAVE LIFT OFF!
Tchatchoua crosses from the right into the box, Armstrong cushions it back to Joao Gomes and the midfielder lashes it into the top corner past Martinez.
His first of the season, his first in a year and the first bit of real quality in the match.
09:18pm
59mins: Wolves 0 Aston Villa 0
After Onana heads over from a corner, there is some activity on the bench.
Advertisement
Villa subs:
OFF Luiz, Sancho
ON Barkley, Bailey
09:17pm
58mins: Wolves 0 Aston Villa 0
Another yellow card, this time for Bellegarde after dragging down Onana.
09:13pm
54mins: Wolves 0 Aston Villa 0
And finally, Buedia is shown a yellow card for his fifth foul of the match. It had been coming.
09:10pm
52mins: Wolves 0 Aston Villa 0
Yellow card for Armstrong after catching Buedia on the top of his foot.
09:08pm
49mins: Wolves 0 Aston Villa 0
Still very safe and cautious on the ball from Villa. No urgency and cutting edge. Watkins and Sancho have been non-existent.
09:04pm
SECOND HALF: Wolves 0 Aston Villa 0
Right then. Rogers gets us going again. It has to get better surely…
09:03pm
Fingers crossed there is a second-half improvement.
Pretty desperate stuff at Molineux, and fingers crossed there is a second-half improvement.
Advertisement
Unai Emery looked furious when he marched to the dressing room at half-time.
Ponchos still required in the Graham Hughes Stand.
Wolves fans wear rain ponchos in the stands – Andrew Boyers/Reuters
08:48pm
HALF TIME: Wolves 0 Aston Villa 0
Goalless after 45 minutes and very little to say. Both teams need to be much better in the second 45!
08:47pm
45+1mins: Wolves 0 Aston Villa 0
Finally something to discuss, Mosquera goes into the book for a late foul on Torres. The Wolves defender has been at the centre of several little flashpoints in the half. Rob Edwards will need to calm him down at the break.
Adam Armstrong clashes with Pau Torres after Mosquera’s foul – Shaun Botterill/Getty Images
08:46pm
45mins: Wolves 0 Aston Villa 0
One minute added on!
08:40pm
37mins: Wolves 0 Aston Villa 0
Buendia has committed four fouls in the half. All of them have been soft but I reckon his next one will end with a yellow card.
Emiliano Buendia appeals to the assistant referee Mat Wilkes – Darren Staples/Getty Images
08:34pm
32mins: Wolves 0 Aston Villa 0
A third of the match gone and it hasn’t been the greatest of matches. Two teams lacking in confidence so far.
08:31pm
29mins: Wolves 0 Aston Villa 0
It is easy to see why Villa are struggling in front of goal.
Advertisement
They really are lacking conviction in the Wolves penalty area and Unai Emery is looking very frustrated.
Villa have scored just five goals in their last seven Premier League games, with three of those coming later than the 85th minute.
08:26pm
25mins: Wolves 0 Aston Villa 0
Just five touches of the ball for Armstrong in the Wolves attack, which is the lowest so far. His team-mates have to do more to find him.
08:25pm
22mins: Wolves 0 Aston Villa 0
Wolves need to be careful here. They want to play out from the back which is admirable but they also keep giving it away in their half and giving Villa encouragement.
08:18pm
17mins: Wolves 0 Aston Villa 0
Chance for Villa now. Cash whips in a cross and Luiz gets a good, firm connection on his strike but it lacks accuracy and Sa makes a comfortable save.
08:16pm
13mins: Wolves 0 Aston Villa 0
Half chance for Wolves. Free kick is lofted into the box, Mosquera heads it back across and the unmarked Toti meets it but sidefoots wide.
Toti Gomes (left) shoots wide – Darren Staples/Getty Images
08:11pm
9mins: Wolves 0 Aston Villa 0
With Chelsea and Man Utd to come, Villa could do with three points tonight and they are starting to get on top here. Wolves happy to play on the counter and let the away side have possession.
08:07pm
5mins: Wolves 0 Aston Villa 0
Tchatchoua has not made a good start for Wolves. Twice, he’s had open space to run into. Twice, he has carelessly given the ball away. Groans already from the home fans.
08:03pm
2mins: Wolves 0 Aston Villa 0
Early free-kick for Wolves in a dangerous position after Buendia bundles over Bellegarde.
Advertisement
Mane steps up to take it but his curled effort is wide of the post.
08:00pm
KICK OFF: Wolves vs Aston Villa
We are underway as Armstrong starts us off!
08:00pm
Here we go!
The players are out and kick off is moments away!!!
07:55pm
A wet one at Molineux
Spare a thought for the poor Wolves fans sitting in the Graham Hughes Stand.
That part of Molineux is rather infamous because it’s uncovered, with ponchos handed out in the event of rain.
I can report that it certainly is raining.
07:51pm
Wolves love a Gomes
Just the four Gomes players in the Wolves squad tonight.
That’s Joao Gomes, Toti Gomes, Rodrigo Gomes and Angel Gomes.
Advertisement
Potential commentators’ nightmare if the four of them link up for a goal, especially if the scorer is Gomes. And the pass comes from Gomes. You get my drift.
07:36pm
A reminder of the teams
Wolves: Sa, Tchatchoua, Mosquera, S. Bueno, Toti, H. Bueno, Andre, Bellegarde, Mane, J.Gomes, Armstrong.
Subs: Johnstone, Doherty, Wolfe, Arokadare, Lima, R. Gomes, Olagunju, A. Gomes, Edozie.
Aston Villa: Martinez, Cash, Torres, Konsa, Digne, Onana, Luiz, Sancho, Buendia, Rogers, Watkins
Subs: Bizot, Lindelof, Maatsen, Mings, Bogarde, Barkley, Bailey, Abraham, Alysson
07:26pm
A win for Wolves over their local neighbours would provide a welcome positive
Wolves are preparing for the Championship and it has been a miserable season.
Advertisement
Wolves fans have already accepted relegation, so a win over their local neighbours would provide a welcome positive.
While the club insist it is never mentioned internally, they could equal the record low points total of Derby in 2007/08 with a draw here.
That record stands at a woeful 11.
07:15pm
Wolves’ Adam Armstrong: I think we’ve shown that we can hurt teams
“With all the local teams around us, we have to take this as a derby game. For me, being a football fan myself, derbies mean so much, and it’s great when you can beat the teams around you. We know what a great side Villa are and how well they’re doing this season, but I think we’ve shown in the last few games the quality that we have, that we can bring to hurt teams.
Advertisement
“But it goes back to moments in games where you have to try and take your chances, and I’m sure on Friday, everyone will be looking forward to the game, the atmosphere with the fans and something that we will be thriving off.
“This is why you play the game for moments like these. When you’re playing rivals or derbies, or you’re involved in big games, this is why we play football; to be in the best games, to be in the biggest games, and Friday night, under the lights, is unbelievable, and we’ll be going out there to try and get the three points.”
Adam Armstrong is yet to score since his move in January – Brett Patzke/Getty Images
07:05pm
Can Emery finally win at Wolves?
Could this be the night when Unai Emery finally ends his Molineux hoodoo?
Advertisement
Emery has never won at Wolves, in four attempts with Arsenal and Aston Villa, and it’s clearly something which annoys him.
Villa have stumbled in recent weeks but this is a big few days ahead and a win will spark their top-four mission back into life. Villa host Chelsea on Wednesday night in another mammoth encounter.
It is absolutely tipping it down here, by the way.
06:54pm
Emery previews game
“Everything we [are] analysing of them makes not an easy match, feel not an easy match and feeling as well, for them and for us, it’s a derby, because we are both here in Premier League for a long time, and close here, and we can feel it as a derby.
Advertisement
“And they are playing at home with their supporters, and they will feel the necessary match for them to show their capacity against us.”
06:46pm
Wolves starting XI
06:46pm
Aston Villa starting XI
06:41pm
Friday night football
Hello and welcome to coverage from the Premier League of Wolves vs Aston Villa.
The two sides will start the match with very different objectives, one desperately trying to pick up points to avoid the inevitable, while the other attempts to keep the league’s big beasts behind them in the race for Champions League football next season.
Wolves welcome Villa to Molineux – the first of three home games in the space of a week. Liverpool are visitors on Tuesday, and again in the FA Cup next Friday.
And manager Rob Edwards says it is time for his players to lift themselves for the fight. Edwards said: “We’re here to fight and show how good we are. The players have always got something to fight for, these next three games in particular, and they shouldn’t be difficult to get up for at all.
“We understand the scale of the task and we know we’re not going to be favourite in any of the games, but we’ve got to make sure that we bring our best.”
In contrast, Villa boss Unai Emery sounded downbeat, claiming it is going to be “very, very difficult” for Aston Villa to maintain their top-three position in the table after picking up only five points from four league games.
Emery said: “I know it’s going to be very, very difficult to keep our position. Why? Because we have three teams behind us: United, Chelsea and Liverpool. Our position for them is their objective, their priority and their challenge, and they have the power to get us.
“Of course, our challenge is to try to keep the advantage we have now, and try to play looking forward, and tomorrow, three points, no more. We are going to fight, day by day, next week, next month, very exciting moments. Everything can happen, but exciting moments.”
Stand by for lineups and team news…
