Wolves claim infrequent victory to hinder Villas pursuit of Champions League spot
Wolverhampton Wanderers picked up their second Premier League win of the campaign, powering a surprising 2-0 defeat of Aston Villa on Friday evening.
Joao Gomes netted his initial league strike of the term during the latter period, prior to Rodrigo Gomes sealing the deal against a subdued Villa amid downpours at Molineux.
With Villa in third position yet far from their peak form, Rob Edwards crew, languishing at the foot of the standings, rejoiced in their initial points haul since overcoming West Ham back in early January.
Positioned 14 points adrift of survival with merely nine fixtures remaining, Wolves initial success in nine league outings seems improbable to ignite a belated avoidance of the drop.
Nevertheless, the West Midlands clash triumph offered a delightful instant for the Wolves supporters, as it undermined their opponents hopes of securing a Champions League berth next term.
It further guaranteed Wolves would steer clear of establishing a fresh Premier League nadir in points amassed.
Their current 13 points this season eclipse the previous bottom mark of 11 points gathered by Derby during 2007-08.
"I am truly delighted, this is precisely why I joined, evenings such as this, to bond with the fans in that manner," Edwards remarked.
"I recognise our challenging spot but I adore such football, it is outstanding."
Villa maintain a six-point advantage over fifth-placed Chelsea and sixth-placed Liverpool in the contest for Champions League entry, where a top-five conclusion should suffice for that goal.
However, Unai Emerys faltering team has triumphed merely twice across their previous eight league encounters.
Villas forthcoming pair of elite division fixtures prove vital, facing Chelsea at home before heading to fourth-placed Manchester United.
"During the second half, Wolves dominated more duels and penetrated our penalty area. Following their goal, matters grew increasingly tough for us," Emery noted.
"This is the time to unite and grasp our current standing. Today we fell short of requirements yet it remains within our grasp to attain a leading rank."
Villa in turmoil
Even though Ollie Watkins had managed only one goal in his prior 10 appearances, he lined up as Villas forward rather than Tammy Abraham, who had bagged a brace in his preceding two outings since joining from Besiktas.
Watkins evident dip in assurance shone through as his hesitant control permitted Yerson Mosquera to intercept prior to any attempt on goal, after Morgan Rogers exquisite delivery left him one-on-one with the keeper.
Villas squandering extended beyond Watkins, with Pau Torres directing a header astray shortly afterwards.
As the showers intensified further into the second half, Villa found it hard to build momentum on the waterlogged surface.
Wolves maintained solid balance to surge ahead in the 61st minute.
Jackson Tchatchouas delivery located Adam Armstrong inside the Villa box, his lay-off paving the way for Gomes sharp effort that rocketed beyond Emiliano Martinez into the top corner.
Alluding to their probable descent, Wolves supporters playfully jeered Villa using songs of "1-0 to the Championship".
Emery countered by introducing Abraham and Ian Maatsen, the latter promptly wasting an opportunity with a strike that Jose Sa deflected away.
Capturing Villas dismal night, Amadou Onanas effort in added time was cleared off the line by Mosquera.
Shortly thereafter, Rodrigo Gomes administered the decisive strike, tucking away the ball following Joao Gomes blocked attempt, with Villas backline in chaos.