Aston Villa ended a six-match winless run against Wolves in the Premier League as Moussa Diaby helped fire Unai Emery’s side back into fourth spot with a merited 2-0 victory in the West Midlands derby.
Diaby walloped home the opener on 36 minutes after a loose ball broke to him just outside the visiting box, before Ezri Konsa’s cross eluded Wolves keeper Jose Sa to nestle in the net via a post for the killer second.
Villa last defeated Wolves in the top flight back in December 2020, but the importance of these three points cannot be disputed in their quest for a top-four finish and a UEFA Champions League place next term.
Emery’s team are again three points ahead of Tottenham, who defeated Luton 2-1 earlier on Saturday, having played one more game.
Villa have 59 points from 30 matches, while Gary O’Neil’s Wolves remain 10th with 41 points from 29 after a disappointing trip to their local rivals.
Match Highlights
11′ VILLA HAVE THE BALL IN THE NET But the whistle had gone for an offside against Watkins as he tried to break the deadlock. His initial shot is saved by Sa before Douglas Luiz slammed home the rebound, but the groans are palpable among the Villa fans. No doubt Watkins was offside.
15′ GOLDEN CHANCE FOR WOLVES Ball breaks to Rayan Aït-Nouri all alone in the Villa box, but his finish is tipped wide by Martinez. Brilliant save at point-blank range, but that should be 1-0 to Wolves. Perhaps expected an offside flag that never came.
27′ VILLA PASS UP GREAT CHANCE Watkins this time well onside as he races in on goal, but scoops the finish into the side netting. Expected a goal there. And so did the Villa fans. Youri Tielemans with a lovely pass.
35′ GOAL! (DIABY) ASTON VILLA 1-0 WOLVES Thumping finish from the edge of the box from Moussa Diaby. No chance for Sa as the loose ball broke to him via the set-piece and he clatters the finish into the net to give Villa the lead.
66′ GOAL! (KONSA) ASTON VILLA 2-0 WOLVES Ezri Konsa chips the ball over Sa from Moussa Diaby’s pass looking for Duran in the middle. Was over the line before it came back out with Santiago Bueno in the goal for Duran to finish. And suddenly it is 2-0. Villa on their way surely to victory.
Key Stat
Villa completed their first home win over Wolves in the Premier League since a 3-2 success in December 2003.