Anne Wong
Late goals from Ollie Watkins, Ezri Konsa, and Jhon Duran propelled Aston Villa to a 3-1 victory over Wolves at Villa Park.
The win moves Aston Villa level on points with Liverpool and Manchester City, while Wolves remain at the bottom of the Premier League despite a strong performance.
First Half: Cunha’s Striking Opener
In the first half, it was Matheus Cunha who put Wolves ahead with a fantastic strike. He capitalized on a mistake by Aston Villa’s Diego Carlos and made no mistake with the finish. Cunha’s goal in the 25th minute stood out as Wolves’ significant achievement in the opening half.
Despite being in the lead, Wolves struggled to add to their tally. They were effective in defensively frustrating Aston Villa, limiting them to half-chances without any real threat. Wolves seemed comfortable holding their 1-0 advantage going into the halftime break.
Aston Villa’s Second-Half Comeback
The second half saw a revitalized Aston Villa. Determined to turn the game around, Unai Emery’s men upped the pressure on Wolves from the get-go. Their persistence finally paid off in the 73rd minute when Ollie Watkins equalized with a deflected shot. Villa Park erupted in celebration.
Just as it seemed the match might end in a draw, Ezri Konsa struck in the 88th minute. His goal came from a corner, sending the home fans into a frenzy and putting Aston Villa ahead for the first time in the game.
Jhon Duran’s Decisive Closing Goal
As Wolves pushed forward seeking an equalizer, they left spaces behind. Super-sub Jhon Duran exploited this perfectly. In the 94th minute, Duran toe-poked home Morgan Rogers’ pass, securing a 3-1 victory for Aston Villa.
Duran’s goal was the final nail in the coffin for Wolves. It was his fourth goal in five substitute appearances, highlighting his impact off the bench. His contribution in added time ensured that Aston Villa claimed all three points.
Wolves’ Performance and Missed Opportunities
Despite the loss, Wolves had moments where they looked the better side. They created several half-chances and held their own for most of the match. Their defensive resilience was commendable until Villa’s late onslaught.
Wolves manager Gary O’Neil acknowledged the disappointment, stating, “We failed to cope when we came under pressure, which is obviously going to come away from home, at Aston Villa when you’re 1-0 up.” His team now finds themselves at the bottom of the Premier League table, a position that does not reflect some of their strong performances.
Aston Villa Showing Depth and Quality
Villa’s victory showcased their squad’s depth and quality. The likes of Ross Barkley, Ian Maatsen, and Leon Bailey coming off the bench demonstrated the strength in depth that Villa possesses. This depth could prove crucial as they compete both domestically and in Europe this season.
Unai Emery was pleased with the response from his side, stating, “Clearly it was two different halves. The first half was so, so poor. We wanted to change things to get more energy with some fresh players, and push them back.”
What’s Next for Both Teams?
Aston Villa’s win elevates them to level on points with Liverpool and Manchester City at the top of the Premier League. Their recent performances are a testament to their resilience and ability to come from behind to secure victories.
Wolves, on the other hand, must regroup quickly. With upcoming fixtures against Liverpool, Manchester City, and Brentford, Gary O’Neil’s side faces a tough challenge. They will need to toughen up and find a way to convert strong performances into points.
Aston Villa’s late goals secured a significant 3-1 win over Wolves, showcasing their strength and depth.
Wolves showed promise but ultimately could not withstand Villa’s late pressure, leaving them at the bottom of the table.
