Wolverhampton Wanderers hit the magic 40 points and consigned their Brighton disaster to history as they bounced back in fine style to record their fourth straight Molineux victory and simultaneously claimed the bragging rights over Aston Villa on Saturday. Toti Gomes' striking header in the first ten minutes of the game beat Emi Martinez and, eventually, Villa as Julen Lopetegui got one over on compatriot Unai Emery and ensured that their Amex horrow show feels like a distant memory. The atmosphere was crackling from the get go, following the pre-match exchanging of pleasantries and nod to the coronated King. There was plenty given and taken between the two sets of supporters, who helped the players to set a frantic early tempo. Wolves responded to that best. After an initial corner was retaken following a tangling of bodies and words from referee Stuart Attwell, Toti thundered home a header in off the crossbar when meeting Ruben Neves' pinpoint corner to spark pandemonium in the home ends. Wolves were up for it anyway, but they really did carry the wind in their sails following that early lead; they were first to the second balls and keen in the press, which helped them to regain possession with Villa's passing-out-from-the-back approach bringing its own natural risks. They did, though, need Jose Sa to make a stunning save to deny Emi Buendia firing an almost instant reply, when he tipped the nimble Argentine's effort around the post. Villa quickly grew into the game from there after a fast-paced start. By the 20th minute they were comfortably on top without asking too many questions of Wolves' defence, who comparably looked at ease - until Jacob Ramsey escaped down the left and hung up a cross which Ollie Watkins met. Sa held it, but it was a let off for Wolves, because Villa's top scorer should've done better. At the other end, Matheus' deep cross was expertly chested down by Diego Costa into the path of Matheus Cunha, who couldn't keep his effort down when well placed. Costa then had an opportunity to double Wolves' lead - and his own seasonal tally - when slipped in by Pedro Neto, but he was expertly stopped by Emi Martinez. Ashley Young went close at the other end when a corner was pulled back to the edge of the penalty area. Villa, naturally in search of an equaliser, began to create openings. Tyrone Mings missed a glaring opportunity when meeting Douglas Luiz's free kick, having given Max Kilman the slip, and then Buendia fired over Moreno's cross when well placed. Wolves, though, managed this game as well as they had done against
Chelsea, and more recently Crystal Palace. They can now look forward to another season of top flight
Football at Molineux. Wolves player ratings v Aston Villa Sa 7 Made one excellent save early on to deny Buendia's threatening strike. Held comfortably a header from Watkins. Brave when punching corners clear and suitably looked after by the officials when he was obstructed by Villa players. Semedo 7 Combined well with Matheus on the right hand side with a lovely pass around the corner which brought the corner which led to Toti's opener. A threat in the first half down the right hand side and a more disciplined showing in the second half. Dawson 9* Made one key early block within the first couple of minutes as Villa probed and asked an early question of Wolves' defence. Brought an air of calmness and no-nonsense defending. Made one last ditch challenge to deny Buendia, who bore down on Sa's goal. Used all his experience and nous at the death to run the clock down. Kilman 7 Found Buendia and Watkins tricky customers at times in the first half. Made some impressive passes across the field. Took a whack which meant he required treatment but allowed Mings a run on goal which he thankfully passed up. Toti 8 Had enjoyed a positive first ten minutes even before he powered a header beyond the diving Martinez. Then produced some superb skill to jink away from Buendia in the corner. Because of his height it's like having a third centre half when it comes defending set pieces in the air. Booked late on when Bailey gave him the slip. Neves 7 As per usual his set pieces were on point and he delivered for Toti to
fire Wolves in front. Neves was often the first line of the press, as he closed down Villa's centre halves from his deep lying midfield role. Lemina 8 Crucial as ever in his midfield role in
BREAKING up Villa attacks. Won some very important challenges and made some key blocks, particularly on the edge of his own box. Selfless performance in many aspects in terms of making himself available for the ball. Nunes 6 The subject of a big penalty shout in the first half from Villa's perspective, a handball claim which was swiftly waved away by the officials. Much of his best work in the second half was without the ball, to ensure that Villa didn't build up a head of steam. Neto 6 Reserved first half in which he struggled to make any notable contribution, but he produced an important moment in the second when, having chased down the entire defence and challenged Alex Moreno in the corner, he gestured to the Wolves fans who responded. That livened Neto up, who left Konsa for dead and was unfortunate his cross wasn't turned in. Cunha 8 Great ball retention and carrying of it through the heart of Villa's midfield from deep, holding off a number of challenges before he eventually was felled by Luiz. Immense effort to burst through the defence before he was dispossessed by McGinn. Proved why he needed to be back in the starting XI. Costa 6 Some important pressing from the front, to send Mings and co back to Martinez as they looked to build attacks from deep. Denied by the legs of Martinez when taking on a through ball by Neto. Effort was appreciated when he was withdrawn late on. Substitutes Hwang (for Cunha 68) 6 Important late contribution in getting Wolves up the pitch, away from their own goal and in doing so relieving pressure on the back-line. Collins (for Costa 83) Adama (for 83) Moutinho (for Nunes 90) Substitutes not used: Bentley, Ait-Nouri, Gomes, Podence, Sarabia Aston Villa: Martinez; Young (Carlos 65), Konsa, Mings, Moreno (Digne 85); McGinn, Ramsey, Luiz (Kamara 85), Traore (Bailey 45), Buendia (Duran 81); Watkins Substitutes not used: Olsen, Dendoncker, Chambers, Coutinho GOALS Wolves - Toti 9; Villa - The ref: Stuart Attwell Up next:
Manchester United (A) - Saturday 13 May, 3pm kick off