Aston Villa boosted their UEFA Champions League hopes with a 2-0 victory over local rivals Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday evening, regaining the vital three-point buffer over fifth-placed Tottenham Hotspur.
It was a cagey affair at Villa Park and it truly could've gone either way if Rayan Ait-Nouri hadn't missed a gaping chance for Wolves early doors. A thunderous strike from Moussa Diaby got Villa ahead in the first half, though, and Ezri Konsa's dinked cross-turned-shot effectively sealed the deal just after the hour mark.
Wolves had a lot of the ball in the opening exchanges and Villa were anxious passing out from the back. Ait-Nouri had his big opportunity in the 15th minute as he met a deep Santiago Bueno cross at the far post, played onside by a slow-to-react Pau Torres. The Algerian wing-back was merely five yards away from goal and kept his effort low but Emiliano Martinez did excellently to smother the ball away.
Ollie Watkins, who only made it to half time, had a brilliant chance up the other end for Villa as he ran onto a terrific first-time through ball from Youri Tielemans in the 28th minute. The England international could only find the sit netting, however, after he hesitated and worsened his shooting angle. Pau also had a decent opening as he met a Leon Bailey cross but the central defender's header was directed straight at Jose Sa.
Just as Villa Park was beginning to grow frustrated, Diaby nearly lifted the roof off the place as the Frenchman broke the deadlock with a thunderbolt in the 36th minute. Luiz's clever free-kick found Bailey on the left and the Jamaican's cross was deflected through to Diaby on the edge of the area. The winger made made no mistake as he connected superbly, giving Sa no chance as the ball flew into the net.
The second period started slowly, with Wolves the only side with a chance in the 20 minutes following the interval. Premier League debutant Leon Chiwome had a decent opportunity as he sprinted through one-on-one with Martinez, denied only when Diego Carlos darted back to make a crucial block.
But Villa doubled their advantage in the 65th minute, almost instantly after Emery turned to the bench for reinforcements. Nicolo Zaniolo beat his man with skill, played in Diaby and the ball was fed through to Konsa. The right-back clipped the ball delicately toward the far post and it somehow made its way into the net, with Wolves defender Bueno failing to clear. There was a huge cheer as the crowd discovered it was in fact Konsa's goal; the 26-year-old enjoying another shining moment following his England bow.
Wolves had the odd moment of joy in the closing stages with Matt Doherty, Tawanda Chirewa and Mario Lemina trying their luck but Emery's side were able to hold on fairly comfortably for all three points. Here are our Villa player ratings.
1. Emiliano Martinez - 8
Made an exceptional stop to deny Ait-Nouri at point-blank range and made other stops to keep out efforts from Lemina and Sarabia. Commanded his area very comfortably. | Wolves via Getty Images
2. Ezri Konsa - 8
Scored Villa’s second in peculiar style as his cross found its way into the far corner. Hardly put a foot wrong with his passing as he composed Villa. Had a pop from range on the verge of half time but was laughed off by the crowd, as well as Tyrone Mings and John McGinn on the big screen. | Getty Images
3. Diego Carlos - 6
Completely missed the ball from Sarabia’s cross, leading to Ait-Nouri’s huge first-half chance. Mopped up well otherwise and put in one notable block to deny Chiwome. Tried several long balls over the top, a few of which were close to finding Diaby. | Getty Images
4. Pau Torres - 7
Dominated in the air and was rarely fazed by Wolves’ press when passing out from the back. Had a decent chance to score but could only put his header in Sa’s arms. Played Ait-Nouri onside for his chance, mind. | Getty Images