The Premier League’s bottom club Wolves stunned third-placed Aston Villa 2-0 at Molineux, with Joao Gomes and substitute Rodrigo Gomes the scorers in a wet West Midlands derby.
Wolves showed greater hunger throughout as Villa struggled to impose themselves. The game was cagey in the first half: Ollie Watkins had a shot blocked, Pau Torres headed wide and Douglas Luiz fired at Jose Sa, while Wolves’ best opening saw Toti Gomes miscue a return from injury. On the hour, Unai Emery made changes to try to spark his side, but it was Wolves who broke the deadlock after a slick move — Adam Armstrong’s lay-off allowed Joao Gomes to fire home.
Villa pushed, bringing on Tammy Abraham among others, but Wolves defended resolutely. Deep into stoppage time, substitute Rodrigo Gomes sealed the win on the break, sending Unai Emery down the tunnel immediately after the second goal.
The victory lifts some pressure off Rob Edwards’ side, ensuring they avoid equalling Derby’s unwanted all-time Premier League low points total and giving home supporters rare cause for celebration this season.
Team news: Toti Gomes returned to the Wolves XI in place of the suspended Ladislav Krejci, and Joao Gomes came in for Tolu Arokodare. Villa restored Pau Torres, Lucas Digne and Jadon Sancho to the starting lineup.
Rob Edwards, on the win: “It was a special moment in a really difficult season. It’s nice to be able to show some emotion and build that connection that we’re desperate to do. That’s why I came in on nights like that. Really special moments. That’s a moment that will live with me forever.” He added that his celebrations got the better of him and joked about pulling a calf and putting a foot through a board.
Asked about Emery walking off after the second goal, Edwards said he understood the reaction but expressed respect for Emery.
Unai Emery reflected on Villa’s season: he acknowledged early-season ambitions and recent form dips, saying the club had dreamed of competing for the title but now must focus on maintaining a top-five position and handling pressure from rivals for Champions League places.
Analysis: Pundits on Sky Sports flagged Wolves’ hunger and Villa’s lack of response. Lee Hendrie warned Villa’s season was “hanging in the balance,” while Izzy Christiansen described Villa’s showing as “really poor,” highlighting a lack of desire and visible frustration among players.
Wolves remain in deep trouble overall but can take solace from a derby victory that dents Villa’s momentum ahead of a big fixture against Chelsea.