The Premier League’s bottom club Wolves stunned third-placed Aston Villa with a 2-0 win at Molineux thanks to goals from Joao Gomes and Rodrigo Gomes.
In a wet West Midlands derby in Wolverhampton, the home side showed more appetite for the fight throughout as Villa struggled to impose themselves. Joao Gomes’ fine finish set up the win, and his namesake Rodrigo sealed it on the break deep into stoppage-time.
The victory for Rob Edwards’ side means they overhaul Derby’s all-time Premier League low points haul, ending any lingering fears of that particular ignominy and bringing some long-awaited joy and relief for the home supporters – at the expense of their neighbours.
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Joao Gomes scored a sensational opener for Wolves against Aston Villa
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Rodrigo Gomes sealed victory against Villa with a 97th-minute counter!
Villa had probed in the first half without causing Wolves too many problems. The out-of-form Ollie Watkins had a shot blocked. Pau Torres headed wide. Douglas Luiz volleyed at Jose Sa. Wolves’ best opening came when the returning Toti Gomes miscued his shot.
Unai Emery tried to ignite things with a double change on the hour but it was Wolves who found the breakthrough following a slick attacking move out of kilter with their miserable season. Adam Armstrong’s cute lay-off was perfect for Joao Gomes to fire home.
Chants of ‘1-0 to the Championship’ rang out around Molineux and though Villa pushed, finally introducing Tammy Abraham, Wolves defended bravely and scored the next goal with just about the last kick as substitute Rodrigo Gomes beat Emi Martinez on the break.
Wolves remain doomed but could enjoy inflicting a major blow on their neighbours whose form has dipped ahead of a big clash with Chelsea on Wednesday. Manchester United could be ahead of them by then, the grip on a top-four finish loosened.
Edwards: Win will live with me forever
Wolves boss Rob Edwards speaking in the press conference:
“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.”
On his celebrations: “Yeah, there was a lot of emotion. I lost myself for a while. Football can do that to you. I sort of forgot where I was. My daughters were probably up there looking at me thinking, what are you doing down there? Calm down.
“Yeah, and then I pulled my calf and put my foot through a board in as well I think. I know it’s been a really difficult season, but if you can’t enjoy those moments in a really big game against a brilliant team, then you should not be in the game.”
Asked about Emery walking off after the second goal rather than shaking his hand, Edwards said: “Look, I get it. The two games we have won in the league this year, both managed to disappear.”
He added: “I think everyone expects to turn up and win, which is understandable the way the season’s gone. So yeah, two guys have not been that happy. But I’ve got a lot of respect for Unai. I think he’s amazing.”
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Unai Emery walked down the tunnel at Molineux as soon as Wolves scored the second
Emery: Even I was dreaming of the title
Aston Villa manager Unai Emery speaking in the press conference:
“Our expectation at the beginning of the season, we were over this for the last three months. Maybe now we are a little worse than two months ago.
“We can’t feel frustrated. Maybe some can feel we are losing the opportunity to win the title in the Premier League. Two months ago we were competing with Arsenal and Manchester City, you were asking me about it.
“Someone, even myself, may say ‘maybe we can’. Some supporters, maybe they were dreaming it. Now we are not with the possibility to fight for the Premier League, some can feel frustrated, even myself because I have my dreams.
“In September I was worried and the objective was to stay in the Premier League. In December I was so happy and excited to get the top five position and achieve the Champions League.
“One month ago I was dreaming about maybe winning the Premier League. Now we are in the average to be in the top five. Liverpool, Chelsea, Manchester United, they are trying to get to us, for them it is a priority to get into the Champions League.”
Analysis: Villa falling apart?
Lee Hendrie speaking on Sky Sports:
“When you compare the two sides tonight, with Wolves, there was that hunger.
“Villa’s results look ugly. For me, at the moment, Villa’s season is hanging in the balance.
“Yes, they are in the Europa League next stages. I’m starting to panic at that now. There are some big games ahead for Villa. At the moment, I can see Villa falling apart.”
Izzy Christiansen speaking on Sky Sports:
“From Villa’s perspective, it was a really poor showing today. No response to conceding that goal in the 60th minute. They still had time to get back into the game.
“At that point, they showed no desire. Emery made changes but they just had no impact on the game.
“I just thought on the whole, Villa just looked disconnected. You could see visible frustrations from the players and maybe the pressure is getting to them.”
