Wolves Fans' Verdict v Aston Villa: A deserved win in a hard-fought match

The first half script we've seen played out many times. Several 'nearly' moments without carrying a real goal threat. Plus a referee who saw the game... a different way to me. 

We expended a lot of energy during that opening half with Andre and Joao Gomes trying to wrestle dominance in midfield while Bellegarde and Mane tried to advance the ball forward as best they could. We were on the front foot and playing at a high tempo, not something we do all that often at home. It kept the crowd engaged which made for a good atmosphere.

The second half saw play become more stretched and the worry was we'd get caught out. In the end it was Wolves who made the most of these opportunities. On the hour Tchatchoua did what the crowd have been willing him to do for some time now. An accurate cross allowed Armstrong to cushion the ball for J.Gomes to score.

From then on the atmosphere was turned up a notch. Having something to hold onto made the volume that much louder. So often it has not ended happily but our work rate was phenomenal. A couple of goalmouth scrambles were inevitable and Sa was brought into action a few times. Our clearances however were of a better quality than previously and Villa could not keep any sustained pressure.

Nerves were finally put to bed in the last minute of added time when a counter attack headed towards goal and not the traditional corner flag. The reward was a second goal and a tumultuous roar and an incredibly speedy retreat by the away end. It might have even stopped raining for a couple of minutes.

A fitting reward for the hard yards put in over the last few games where we've not been able to cross the line for various reasons. The Derby monkey will not rest on our back, thank God for that. None of us wanted that on our club's CV.

It was by no means a perfect performance but there was a lot more good things to see in that game than in many others. The spine of the team - Sa, Santi, J.Gomes and Armstrong - made good contributions while Mane had his best game for a month.

John Lalley

All too often, one bad performance has simply been a rehearsal for another, but unexpectedly this one turned out vastly differently. And very palatable it was too. 

From the moment a fully hyped Mosquera superbly dispossessed Watkins who seemed certain to score, to the ungracious departure of a fuming Unai Emery, just for once, circumstances conspired in our favour. Wolves deserved winners, as a dried out, slightly less belligerent Emery later conceded. 

Villa had the better chances in an ordinary first-half with both sides slow and laboured in their build-up. At half-time, it was difficult to work out just how Wolves might fashion a goal with Armstrong isolated up front and with caution apparently our first priority. 

The second half didn’t begin any more expansively either but at last, Wolves created the opening and whether Armstrong’s cushioned pass to Joao Gomes was intended or fortuitous, it was a deserved reward for his industry and unselfishness all match. 

Villa were left with ample time to salvage the game but their own lack of cohesion and a determined defensive blanket from Wolves ensured that they were comfortably repelled. 

Inevitably hearts sunk when deep into stoppage time, Villa had a glorious opportunity to square the game, but a vital touch from Sa enabled Mosquera to finish as he had started and save the day. The ending provided delicious recall of this fixture last season; Villa stretched and out-numbered by Cunha this time exposed by a rapturous Rodrigo Gomes. The scoreline identical and the satisfaction similarly so. Yippie-yi-o, Yippie-yi-yay!

Adam Virgo

A derby day win, breaking the worst points tally and the effort shown from absolutely everyone was top tier. Can’t ask for anything else.

Villa had the better chances in the first half but we stayed in the game until half time which we’ve done a lot under Rob Edwards which always gives you a chance to get points.

Second half we were a completely different side, we were showing more determination and grit and in particular Joao Gomes and Andre were dominating in midfield. Joao Gomes was the key to so many things that went well for us in the second half and his finish for the first goal was quality.

At that point, we had control of the game and Villa struggled to create anything. We had a few opportunities on the break which we could have done better with but the save from Sa at the end and block from Mosquera were match winning. Then to get the second goal at the end was just pure elation.

I have no idea what was said to Jackson Tchatchoua or if he took something at half-time but he was a completely different player in the second half compared to the first. The first half was extremely poor and it was like he was afraid to run at anyone but second half he had so much confidence in regards to beating his man and getting the ball into the box more often which he needs to just try every game.

I fully expect a rotated side midweek against Liverpool so we can go full strength on Friday and hopefully be able to put the same kind of effort in because can you imagine if we get into the Quarter Finals of the FA Cup after the season we’ve had.

Harry Lee

In a bleak season for Wolves, the win in the local derby against Aston Villa was a tiny consolation, but a fantastic way of improving the mood amongst the fans, players, and coaching staff.  

Building that connection which Rob Edwards talks about is absolutely vital for the Championship campaign that is upon us this year. Seeing him running down the touchline, celebrating almost Nuno like, or perhaps Mourinho, showed just how much it meant to him on a personal level.  

Some accusations of over celebrating on social media due to our league position is just nonsense, for fans which have endured this season at home they all deserved the moment, and so did the players.

Villa have been in poor form, suffering from injuries to key players, but still possess backup talent arguably superior to our starting XI, but talent wasn't enough, the pure heart and fight won us this game. J.Gomes and Andre setting the foundation in midfield for some fluid football going forwards, with the focus on runners in behind with Bellegarde, Mane and Armstrong at the top of the pitch.  

For all of Tchatchoua's issues on the ball, he does offer an outlet constantly and is improving defensively in what looks a generally settled back five.  

Hugo Bueno offers that added quality on the left side and if we are able to keep him next season should pick up some great goal and assists numbers.

Ultimately, the FA cup is the big one for Wolves now, with two tough games against title winners Liverpool ahead this week, Edwards has a huge decision to make on rotation.