Wolves secured a vital 2-0 victory over Aston Villa at Molineux, a consequence that lifts them out of the relegation zone and provides momentum to their survival bid.
Matheus Cunha was the hero, delivering a shocking late aim to seal the win in a tense West Midlands derby.
The match started with Wolves displaying larger urgency and intent. Their counter-attacking prowess repeatedly unsettled a jaded Villa facet, and the hosts deservedly led 1-0 at half-time.
Jean-Ricner Bellegarde broke the impasse with a composed end following a swift break, capitalising on Villa’s defensive disarray.
Villa supervisor Unai Emery responded with a daring transfer on the break, making 4 substitutions in an try and inject life into his facet. Regardless of recent legs and tactical changes, Villa struggled to penetrate Wolves’ cussed defence.
The guests’ finest possibilities got here within the latter levels, with Donyell Malen forcing sharp saves from Wolves goalkeeper Jose Sa.
THREE POINTS. pic.twitter.com/njUpjitFUq
— Wolves (@Wolves) February 1, 2025
As Villa pressed desperately for an equaliser, Wolves remained resilient, absorbing strain and looking out harmful on the counter.
The defining second arrived deep into stoppage time. Ezri Konsa’s failed clearance offered Cunha with a possibility.
The Brazilian launched into a decided, stop-start run that appeared to have reached a lifeless finish.
Nonetheless, he created simply sufficient area to unleash a thunderous strike, sending the ball previous Emiliano Martinez and into the bottom-left nook.
Cunha obtained a yellow card shortly after, a small blemish on an in any other case stellar efficiency. Wolves navigated the ultimate moments with tactical nous, utilizing substitutions to disrupt Villa’s rhythm and handle the clock successfully.
This victory marks Wolves’ third consecutive house win over Villa and offers a big enhance of their battle in opposition to relegation.
For Villa, the defeat dents their top-four aspirations.
