Three 'terrific' 8/10s but one 'unnecessary' 5/10 - Aston Villa player ratings vs Wolves

It was a classic game of two halves as Wolves dominated the first period but Villa were much improved and clinical in the second to turn the game around, claiming another vital three points at Villa Park.

The visitors took a deserved lead in the 25th minute, Matheus Cunha ruthlessly taking advantage of a terrible error from Diego Carlos. One Brazilian received a gift from another as Carlos miscued a pass and Cunha pounced before drilling the ball into the near bottom corner in emphatic fashion. The strike took a nick off the post on the way in, giving Emiliano Martinez no chance.

Gary O’Neil’s side gained great confidence from going ahead and Rayan Ait-Nouri very nearly made it two soon afterward. Jean-Ricner Bellegarde’s cross looped into the air and Ait-Nouri was the first to react, but his shot deflected off Carlos and narrowly wide. Jorgen Strand Larsen had a big chance approaching the interval as he was played in superbly by Yerson Mosquera, but the striker hesitated and fired straight at Martinez.

It was like an imaginary switch had been clicked at the start of the second half as the feeling of the match turned on its head. The possession swung in Villa’s favour and, after around 25 minutes of struggling to surpass Wolves’ resilient defence, the opportunities finally began to blow.

Watkins roared Villa Park into life in the 73rd minute as he netted an emphatic equaliser, just minutes after seeing a header cleared off the line by Mosquera, A mix-up from Wolves trio Nelson Semedo, Joao Gomes and Mario Lemina allowed Morgan Rogers to chop in and feed Watkins, who darted past the two centre-halves and poked home beyond Sam Johnstone.

Just moments after the goal, there was an unfortunate moment for Mosquera, who committed to challenges on Watkins and Rogers but was caught awkwardly by the second. The defender went to ground uncomfortably and received extended treatment before being stretchered off. It looked a nasty blow for the young Colombian defender, who had played excellently up until that point.

When play eventually restarted, Villa were determined to find a winner. And, following some patient build-up, that’s exactly what Ezri Konsa did, sending the home crowd into pandemonium. Youri Tielemans saw a corner rebounded to himself and the Belgian crossed back into the area, deep to the far post where Konsa was waiting to hammer home. The defender had been left completely unmarked.

Jhon Duran then delivered the sucker punch in stoppage time, netting his easiest Villa goal yet with a pass into an open net to make it 3-1. Rogers did excellently to beat his man before squaring the ball with the perfect weight, giving Duran the simple task of finishing the move off. Emery certainly didn’t hide his emotion, jumping up and down repeatedly as his side claimed their fourth victory in five matches, rising to third in the Premier League.

Player ratings

Emiliano Martinez - 6

Couldn’t do anything about Cunha’s opener as it was rifled in via the post. Made a great save to deny Strand Larsen a second Wolves goal.

Ezri Konsa - 8

Scored the dramatic winner as he was in the right place at the right time to tap the ball in at the far post. Struggled a little to deal with Ait-Nouri on the overlap in the first half but was much better in the second.

Diego Carlos - 5

Completely at fault for Cunha’s opening goal as he gave the ball away so unnecessarily, giving the Brazilian a chance to shoot in acres of space. Didn’t put much of a foot wrong after as he recovered well.

Pau Torres - 7

Had another solid game, especially when he shifted left to give Villa an outlet early on in attacks.

Lucas Digne - 6 (off at HT)

Unable to dominate the left back as usual and nowhere near as productive. Taken off for Maatsen at the break.

Amadou Onana - 6 (off 62’)

Put in a couple of great tackles but gave the ball away more often than usual. Looked furious when he went off.

Youri Tielemans - 7

Didn’t really get going in the first 45 but improved after the break when Villa took control of possession. Positive with forward passes and notched the assist for Konsa’s crucial goal with a brilliant cross.

John McGinn - 6 (off at HT)

Not able to get as involved as normal as Wolves dominated the first half. Used his low centre of gravity to spin away from his man a few times, though. Unfortunately forced off with a knock just before half time.

Jacob Ramsey - 6 (off 62’)

Had the odd moment of promise as he was direct and tried to link up the play between the lines. Didn’t contribute anything of real note, mind.

Morgan Rogers - 8

Assisted two of Villa’s three goals, finding Watkins with precision through a crowd of bodies and then squaring to Duran for the goal to put the game beyond doubt. Another terrific display just behind the striker.

Ollie Watkins - 7 (off 90+9’)

Scored his third Premier League goal of the season in clinical style to level up the match. He had looked a frustrated figure in the first half as many of his shots and runs were blocked off.

Leon Bailey - 7 (on at HT)

Gave Villa the energy they needed on the right, often turning Wolves defenders inside and out.

Ian Maatsen - 7 (on at HT)

Replaced Digne at the break and improved the output down the left flank. Didn’t have much to do defensively.

Ross Barkley - 8 (on 62’)

Added so much more oomph for Villa in possession as he showed off a wide passing range and dictated a higher tempo. Won’t get the headlines but was terrific in his work.

Jhon Duran - 7 (on 62’)

Dangerous in behind once again and got on the scoresheet to make sure of maximum points. A much easier finish than his others from recent weeks!