EPL: VILLA’S CHAMPIONS LEAGUE HOPES HIT AS WOLVES CLAIM CRUCIAL WIN
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By: Fasasi Hammad
Wolves secured only their second Premier League win of the season with a stunning 2-0 upset over Aston Villa on Friday night.
Joao Gomes netted his first league goal of the campaign early in the second half, while Rodrigo Gomes added a late strike to seal the victory at a rain-soaked Molineux.
With third-placed Villa far from their best, Rob Edwards’ side—rooted to the bottom of the table—celebrated their first league triumph since defeating West Ham in early January. Although Wolves remain 14 points adrift of safety with nine matches left, ending a nine-game winless run provided a morale boost, even if survival still appears unlikely.
The derby win was especially satisfying for Wolves supporters, as it dealt a setback to Villa’s pursuit of Champions League qualification. It also ensured Wolves avoided setting a new record for the lowest points tally in Premier League history, surpassing Derby County’s 11-point mark from the 2007–08 season with their current 13 points.
Villa, now six points ahead of fifth-placed Chelsea and sixth-placed Liverpool, remain in contention for a top-five finish, which is expected to secure Champions League football. However, Unai Emery’s side have managed just two wins in their last eight league outings. Crucial fixtures against Chelsea and Manchester United lie ahead.
Ollie Watkins started up front despite scoring only once in his previous 10 matches, preferred to Tammy Abraham, who had recently found form. Watkins’ struggles were evident when Yerson Mosquera blocked his effort after a fine pass from Morgan Rogers sent him through on goal. Pau Torres also missed a headed opportunity as Villa squandered chances.
As heavy rain continued to hamper conditions in the second half, Wolves struck in the 61st minute. Jackson Tchatchoua’s cross reached Adam Armstrong, whose touch set up Joao Gomes to fire past Emiliano Martinez.
Emery introduced Abraham and Ian Maatsen in response, but Villa’s frustration deepened when Maatsen’s effort was saved by Jose Sa and Amadou Onana’s stoppage-time shot was cleared off the line.
Rodrigo Gomes put the result beyond doubt moments later, finishing calmly after Joao Gomes’ attempt was blocked, capping a miserable night for Villa and a rare celebratory one for Wolves.
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