Andrew Bennet reports on Wolves 2-0 win against Aston Villa in West Midlands Battle.
A midlands derby under the lights as Aston Villa visit Molinuex after hosting Scottish Champions Celtic midweek in the Champions League. Villa with an atrocious record in the Premier League after European matches not winning away from home gives the hosts hope. More hope spread around Molinuex with earlier results falling in Wolves favour. Leicester losing 4-0 to Everton and Ipswich falling to defeat Southampton at home.
The teams:
Wolves:
Sa, Semedo, Doherty, Agbadou, Toti, Ait-Nouri (R.Gomes, 71), Andre, Bellegarde (Bueno, 87), Sarabia (Hwang, 79), Cunha, Guedes (Doyle, 71).
Aston Villa:
Martinez, Garcia (Maatsen, 45), Konsa, Kamara, Digne (Onana, 45), McGinn, Bogarde (Nedeljkovic, 84), Tielemans, Ramsey (Malen, 45), Rogers, Watkins (Bailey, 45).
First Half:
The half started at a rapid tempo with both sides turning the ball over in midfield. Wolves struck early through Bellegarde who hit across the goalkeeper into the bottom corner from the right hand side. He received the ball after a wonderful pass from Sarabia after great work from Cunha to win the ball back high up the pitch.
The game continued at a high tempo in a vibrant and raucous Molinuex, under the lights with the best atmosphere of the season. Villa were gradually coming into the game without testing Jose Sa. Villa’s bright spell was short lived as Wolves continued to press high and turnover the ball.
Sarabia played a wonderful ball between the lines, Cunha one on one with the keeper. His effort saved for the ball to bounce back to Guedes on the edge of the back only to strike wide.
Guedes was sent through with an inch perfect pass from Bellegarde who covered every blade of grass in the first half, only for the Portuguese’s effort to be struck wide.
As the half came to an end another glorious opportunity presented to Guedes who could only find his effort saved by Martinez from a tight angle who pushed it behind for a corner. The initial work coming from Cunha who beat Garcia down the left flank to play in a ball fizzed along the floor.
Half time Wolves 1 – 0 Aston Villa, a score line not seen much this season.
Second Half:
Before the half even started Unai Emery made four substitutions to try and inspire a ragged Aston Villa. These changes lifted the away side who started the second half with more purpose and penned Wolves in their own half.
Villa thought they had levelled when Malen tapped home from a few yards out only for the goal to be ruled out by VAR. Morgan Rodgers was ruled offside for interfering with Semedo and the decision was upheld by VAR. The disallowed equaliser came through a clever set piece played out wide and the ball played across the box.
Villa continued to push only really producing shots from outside the box barely testing Jose Sa. Agbadou also blocking a point blank shot from Malen.
Wolves started to push forward again creating a couple of nearly moments as Sarabia crossed trying to find Cunha but the Brazilian was well defended by Konsa. The next opportunity came as Cunha struck a free kick over the bar.
The game continued in a very stop start nature with Wolves making multiple changes bringing Rodrigo Gomes, Doyle, Hwang and Bueno on over the course of the second half. All contributing to a good defensive effort.
As 7 minutes was shown on the board Wolves remained resolute holding onto their 1-0 lead. Only for Cunha to break forward in the 97th minute turn his defender and slide the ball into the bottom corner sending Molinuex delirious. After much transfer speculation Cunha showed his love for Wolverhampton pointing to and kissing the badge.
Full time Wolverhampton Wanderers 2 – 0 Aston Villa!
Summary
A performance which has come out of nowhere as even Unai Emery agreed that Wolves deserved to beat their midlands rivals. A clean sheet for Vitor Pereira’s side much needed after a season so far where shipping goals has been the norm.
Credit to every player, Bellegarde, Sarabia and Guedes running themselves into the ground the excellent central defenders making multiple blocks Agbadou, Toti and Doherty phenomenal! Of course the final word for Cunha putting the final nail in the coffin to secure the three points. Come on Wolves!
ARTICLE BY ANDREW BENNETT
From my first Wolves match against Chelsea in 2003 I fell in love with the team and matchday experience. I work in digital marketing and have lived in Germany and Estonia over the past few years, this doesn’t stop me following Wolves and ensuring all my international friends become invested to the Wolf pack. I enjoy football, board games, a pint and travelling always excited to try new things. You will find me in the north bank on a matchday.