Wolves secured just their second Premier League victory of the season in dramatic fashion, with Rodrigo Gomes adding a second goal deep into stoppage time to seal a 2-0 win over local rivals Aston Villa. The result sparked wild celebrations on the touchline, where manager Rob Edwards punched the air and hammered an advertising board in a moment of pure relief.
For Unai Emery, however, the final whistle triggered a very different reaction. The Villa boss marched straight down the tunnel before the customary post-match handshakes, visibly furious at his side’s inability to break down a determined Wolves team fighting for survival.
Wolves’ only other league win this season came against West Ham in early October, making this triumph particularly sweet for the home fans. “The two games we’ve won in the league this year, both managers have disappeared from the touchline,” Edwards joked afterwards. “I think everyone expects just to turn up and win, which is understandable given how this season has gone.”
The result lifts Wolves to 13 points, easing any lingering fears they might tumble below Derby County’s infamous record-low tally of 11 points from the 2007-08 season. For Villa, the defeat raises serious questions about their top-four credentials. Emery’s side have now managed just one win in their last six matches across all competitions, collecting only 12 points from their past nine league outings.
When asked about the growing frustration among supporters, Emery urged calm while acknowledging the shifting expectations. “Maybe you can say: ‘We are losing the chance to win the Premier League,'” he reflected. “Some supporters maybe were dreaming. 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. One month ago I was dreaming about maybe winning the Premier League.”
On a rain-soaked evening at Molineux, quality football was hard to come by. The saturated pitch slowed play unpredictably, leading to misplaced passes and clumsy touches throughout. But Wolves, despite their lowly league position, showed the fight that has characterised their recent performances—including a spirited draw against league leaders Arsenal.
João Gomes broke the deadlock just after the hour mark, nutmegging Villa substitute Ross Barkley before firing home his first goal in a year. Then, in the dying seconds, Wolves sealed it on the counterattack. After Yerson Mosquera and goalkeeper José Sá combined to deny Amadou Onana from a corner, Wolves broke three against two. Rodrigo Gomes collected the ball near the penalty spot and calmly slotted past Emiliano Martínez, leaving Morgan Rogers with his face buried in the turf nearby.
Emery’s frustration had been building throughout the second half. He erupted when Jadon Sancho opted against shooting first time at the back post, and there was unease among the away support too. Wolves, for their part, defended resolutely. Jackson Tchatchoua did well to halt Ian Maatsen, Toti Gomes cut out a dangerous run from Leon Bailey, and Hugo Bueno blocked off Matty Cash before celebrating with the home fans.
As the final whistle blew, Wolves let loose. Edwards sprinted down the touchline, his players piled on top of each other, and for one night at least, the threat of relegation felt a world away.
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