Gomes fires Wolves to stunning derby win over Aston Villa

By Johnson Arua

Wolverhampton Wanderers secured only their second Premier League victory of the season on Friday night, shocking high-flying Aston Villa 2-0 in a rain-soaked West Midlands derby at Molineux.

Joao Gomes broke the deadlock in the second half with his first league goal of the campaign before Rodrigo Gomes sealed the win late on, condemning Unai Emery’s side to another frustrating outing.

Coming into the clash rooted to the bottom of the table, Rob Edwards’ men defied expectations to claim their first league win in nine matches — and their first since early January. Although Wolves remain 14 points adrift of safety with just nine games left, the victory provided a rare moment of celebration in what has been a difficult campaign.

The result also carried added significance. Wolves’ 13 points this season mean they have avoided equalling the lowest Premier League points tally — the 11 managed by Derby County in 2007-08.

For third-placed Villa, the defeat was a major setback in their push for Champions League qualification. Emery’s men remain six points clear of fifth-placed Chelsea and sixth-placed Liverpool, but have now won just twice in their last eight league outings. With crucial fixtures against Chelsea and Manchester United looming, the pressure is mounting.

Villa had chances to take control early on. Ollie Watkins, preferred to the in-form Tammy Abraham, squandered a golden opportunity when his heavy touch allowed Yerson Mosquera to block after Morgan Rogers sent him through on goal. Pau Torres also headed wide as the visitors struggled to capitalise.

As the rain intensified in the second half, Villa laboured on the saturated pitch while Wolves grew in confidence.

The breakthrough came in the 61st minute when Jackson Tchatchoua’s cross found Adam Armstrong, whose touch set up Joao Gomes to fire emphatically past Emiliano Martinez into the roof of the net.

Wolves supporters, reveling in the upset, cheekily taunted their rivals with chants of “1-0 to the Championship” — a nod to their own relegation fears.

Emery introduced Tammy Abraham and Ian Maatsen in search of a response, but Villa’s misfortune continued. Maatsen saw an effort parried by Jose Sa, while Mosquera cleared Amadou Onana’s stoppage-time strike off the line.

Moments later, Rodrigo Gomes wrapped up the victory, calmly slotting home after Joao Gomes’ effort was blocked amid defensive confusion.

While Wolves’ survival hopes remain slim, the derby triumph delivered pride, relief and a memorable night for the Molineux faithful — while leaving Villa’s European ambitions hanging in the balance.