Dominant Wolves claim derby spoils

Wolverhampton Wanderers 2 v Aston Villa 1

It is just over two years since Wolves last entertained Aston Villa at the Molineux. Coach Nuno Espirito Santo was in his third month at the helm and that day the 2-0 victory over a recently relegated Villa side convinced me that here was a man who knew what he was doing. Wolves outplayed Villa playing elegant football a blueprint that was to continue for the remainder of the season and resulted, as we all now know, in the side being promoted as Champions.

Season one in the premier league saw that blueprint maintained and refined and it has been a similar refrain in season two the only difference being that at times performances have struggled to match the ability that exists in the squad. As a consequence prior to today’s game Wolves found themselves in the wrong half of the table a circumstance which only served to add to the pressure that already surrounds a derby fixture.

But if that were the case it was not evident in Wolves play, as they dominated the first half in which they created four good opportunities not one of which were converted and in minute 34 had a good shout for a penalty turned down when Matt Doherty looked to be manhandled to the ground. Four minutes later the express train Adama Traore was brought down by Tryone Mings and from the ensuing right wing free kick Joao Moutinho fooled everyone by squaring the ball to Ruben Neves rather than floating it into the box. Finding himself in oceans of space Neves took one touch before drilling the ball home from twenty yards. It was more than the home side deserved.

Wolves continued to dominate affairs in the second half. On 47 Traore struck to bar with a surprise effort and a minute later Raul Jimenez cut inside from the right only to fire wide. In response on 54 Wesley fired over when well placed on the edge of the Wolves box but that was a high mark in Villa’s attempts on goal. Wolves continued to press and following a succession of half chances they finally found the back of the net. Collecting the ball on the half way line Traore, whose pace - and dare I say it trickery- had posed a constant threat, left Douglas Luiz for dead. As the Wolves winger reached the Aston Villa 18 yard box he composed himself before squaring to Jimenez who with the goal at his mercy side footed home.

With barely six minutes of the game remaining that should have settled the tie. But in time added on a bizarre goal by Trezeguet - which was awarded following the use of goal line technology - added a certain tension to the final few moments.

The 2-1 result however flattered Villa. Shawn of the talismanic Jack Grealish, they were totally outplayed and lack the polish of the current Wolves squad. A long winter awaits. As for Wolves they rise to 8th. Perhaps a better reflection of their talent.

Wolves: Patricio 6, Denconker 6, Coady 7, Saiss 6, Doherty 7, Castro Otto 7, Neves 7 Sub Bennett, Moutinho 8, Traore 8, Jota 7 Sub Neto, Jimenez 7 Sub Cutrone

Aston Villa: Steer, Sub Nyland 6, Guilbert 5, Konsa 6, Mings 6, Targett 6 Sub Taylor 6, McGinn 6, Nakkamba 6 Sub Lansbury, Douglas Luiz 6, El Ghazi 6, Wesley 6, Trezeguet 6

Attendance: 31,607

Referee: Anthony Taylor 7

©Mark Brennand