Aston Villa vs Wolverhampton Wanderers LIVE: Premier League ...
Villa Park, home of Aston Villa Football Club (Getty Images)
Follow live coverage as Aston Villa face Wolverhampton Wanderers today in the Premier League. Another top-flight season will be covered in full right here with The Independent, as reigning champions Manchester City look to make it an unprecedented five titles in a row come the end of 2024/25.
The likes of Arsenal and Liverpool will be chasing Pep Guardiola's side, but just as fascinating will be the race for Champions League places, with more teams than ever before having designs on top-four finishes. Chelsea remain big-spending, Manchester United's latest rebuild continues and both Tottenham and Newcastle will expect improvements this year - yet it was Aston Villa who snared fourth last term.
Meanwhile, it's Southampton, Leicester City and Ipswich Town who made it back to the elite after promotion last year and each will have hope they can make it more than a one-year stay. Follow the latest live action from the Premier League below:
Aston Villa FC 3 - 1 Wolverhampton Wanderers FC
17:19
Turning the game totally on its head late in the second half, Aston Villa produce a 3-1 victory over local rivals Wolves, extending their success streak to four matches while prolonging their visitors' wait for a win. Cunha's opportunistic strike deservedly put Wolves in front at the break, but when Watkins broke through on 73 minutes, the away side crumbled. Konsa then converted a cross from Tielemans to give Villa the lead, before super-sub Duran added another goal after appearing from the bench. A game featuring 13 minutes of second-half stoppage time due to a worrying injury to Mosquera ends with another defeat for Wolves - whose final xG stands at 0.5 to Villa's 0.99 - and they remain on just one point in the Premier League table. After moving onto 12, Aston Villa will next face Wycombe Wanderers in the EFL Cup; meanwhile, it doesn't get any easier for Wolves, who must host Liverpool next weekend. That's all from Villa Park today, so thank you for joining us and goodbye!
Aston Villa vs Wolverhampton Wanderers17:11
FULL-TIME: ASTON VILLA 3-1 WOLVES
Aston Villa vs Wolverhampton Wanderers17:08
Yellow Card Matheus Santos Carneiro da Cunha
Aston Villa vs Wolverhampton Wanderers17:08
Rodrigo Gomes has a low cross hackes away from Villa's six-yard box by Maatsen, so Wolves will have a corner. With the game surely lost, they are pushing forward for a late goal.
Aston Villa vs Wolverhampton Wanderers17:08
Yellow Card Ross Barkley
Aston Villa vs Wolverhampton Wanderers17:06
Following a high cross into the box from out wide, Lemina heads straight at Martinez. The goalkeeper makes a simple save, but the flag is raised for offside in any case.
Aston Villa vs Wolverhampton Wanderers17:05
Substitution Oliver George Arthur Watkins Emiliano Buendía Stati
Aston Villa vs Wolverhampton Wanderers17:01
There are few signs that Wolves can re-find their momentum now, having looked so confident for much of this match. It's all Aston Villa.
Aston Villa vs Wolverhampton Wanderers17:02
Assist Morgan Elliot Rogers
Aston Villa vs Wolverhampton Wanderers16:59
Due to the delays for injuries to Bailey and Mosquera, there will be some 13 minutes of stoppage time to play yet. Wolves will not give up hope of getting back into this contest, then.
Aston Villa vs Wolverhampton Wanderers16:58
A fine curling delivery from the left by Tielemans finds goalscorer Konsa free at the back post.
Aston Villa vs Wolverhampton Wanderers16:56
Goal Ezri Konsa Ngoyo
Aston Villa vs Wolverhampton Wanderers16:54
The direction of play is all one way at the moment, as Aston Villa press for a late winner against their local rivals. Both Rogers and Maatsen are crowded out by a number of gold-shirted defenders inside the Wolves area, so the hosts have to settle for another corner.
Aston Villa vs Wolverhampton Wanderers16:52
From a 25-yard free-kick - centrally positioned - Bailey steps up and sends a curling effort comfortably over the crossbar. He cleared the defensive wall but never looked likely to get the ball dipping towards its target.
Aston Villa vs Wolverhampton Wanderers16:50
Having taken a big hit from Rogers, Mosquera cannot continue. Bueno is sent on to replace him at the heart of Wolves' defence.
Aston Villa vs Wolverhampton Wanderers16:50
As he departs injured, Mosquera is shown a yellow card by the referee.
Aston Villa vs Wolverhampton Wanderers16:49
It seems to be more serious than first expected, as Mosquera is going to be helped off by a stretcher. He departs holding his head in his hands, but at least the Colombian defender appears to be alert.
Aston Villa vs Wolverhampton Wanderers16:50
Substitution João Victor Gomes da Silva Thomas Glyn Doyle
Aston Villa vs Wolverhampton Wanderers16:45
Play is halted while Mosquera receives treatment from the medical team, as he took quite a blow from Rogers. It looks like he'll have to come off, so Wolves may have to make a change to the defence that has performed so well thus far.
Aston Villa vs Wolverhampton Wanderers16:40
Yellow Card Morgan Elliot Rogers
Aston Villa vs Wolverhampton Wanderers16:39
Assist Morgan Elliot Rogers
Aston Villa vs Wolverhampton Wanderers16:38
Goal Oliver George Arthur Watkins
Aston Villa vs Wolverhampton Wanderers16:38
Villa come close to equalising again, as an inswinging corner from the left is headed a few feet over the crossbar by Duran. He was left free only 10 yards out, but he couldn't keep it down.
Aston Villa vs Wolverhampton Wanderers16:38
OFF THE LINE! A lofted cross from the right by Bailey is headed goalward by Watkins from just outside the six-yard box, but Mosquera extends a long leg and levers the ball away from his goal-line! Then, Johnstone reaches up and tips it over the crossbar! It's just a corner for Villa.
Aston Villa vs Wolverhampton Wanderers16:38
Substitution Jean-Ricner Bellegarde Rodrigo Martins Gomes
Aston Villa vs Wolverhampton Wanderers16:32
After Rogers bursts into the box but finds his route blocked off, the ball breaks for substitute Barkley, whose low shot thumps into a Wolves defender. For the first time today, Aston Villa are applying some sustained pressure to their opponents' area.
Aston Villa vs Wolverhampton Wanderers16:31
Substitution Jørgen Strand Larsen Gonçalo Manuel Ganchinho Guedes
Aston Villa vs Wolverhampton Wanderers16:31
A mistimed tackle on Tielemans results in Lemina being booked by the referee.
Aston Villa vs Wolverhampton Wanderers16:31
Villa have increased their possession share from 41% to 66% when comparing the first half to the second, so now they need to make more use of the ball. They've picked up the tempo too, but Wolves have a lead to defend and are looking quite composed.
Aston Villa vs Wolverhampton Wanderers16:31
Substitution Jacob Matthew Ramsey Jhon Jader Durán Palacio
Aston Villa vs Wolverhampton Wanderers16:31
Substitution Amadou Ba Zeund Georges Mvom Onana Ross Barkley
Aston Villa vs Wolverhampton Wanderers16:27
Back on the pitch for a few minutes since his head injury, Bailey is sent away down the right wing and drives a cross into the area, but it ultimately comes to nothing. Emery is clearly not happy with his team's efforts in the final third, and the home fans are even starting to grow a little restless.
Aston Villa vs Wolverhampton Wanderers16:23
Cunha delivers from the set-piece situtation again, but his cross into the box is strongly punched away by Martinez, who clears the area with his clearance.
Aston Villa vs Wolverhampton Wanderers16:23
Isolated and in a complete dead-end on the right flank, Bellegarde does well to draw a senseless foul from Tielemans, and Wolves will have a free-kick.
Aston Villa vs Wolverhampton Wanderers16:20
Onana chops down Andre in midfield with a late tackle, yet somehow avoids a booking. Villa have not been able to get on the front foot as desired, and Wolves are still comfortably keeping them at arm's length.
Aston Villa vs Wolverhampton Wanderers16:17
Play resumes without Bailey, who has been helped across to the sidelines, as Maatsen fires over a free-kick from the right that sails over his team-mates inside the Wolves area.
Aston Villa vs Wolverhampton Wanderers16:15
Having already lost McGinn to injury, Aston Villa are now concerned about half-time substitute Bailey, who is being assessed for a possible concussion by the medics. He's not moved much after receiving a stray arm to the face from Ait-Nouri.
Aston Villa vs Wolverhampton Wanderers16:13
Aston Villa kick off, and we are back under way at Villa Park!
Aston Villa vs Wolverhampton Wanderers16:13
Substitution Lucas Digne Leon Patrick Bailey Butler
Aston Villa vs Wolverhampton Wanderers16:11
Substitution John McGinn Ian Ethan Maatsen
Aston Villa vs Wolverhampton Wanderers16:07
Wolves have now scored five first-half goals in as many Premier League games, and only Manchester City (eight) have managed more thus far. However, holding onto a lead has been beyond them, and Aston Villa are sure to improve after such a sub-par first-half performance. It's certainly set up beautifully for an intriguing second half.
Aston Villa vs Wolverhampton Wanderers16:02
A textbook counter-attacking performance from Wolves sees the away side leading Aston Villa 1-0 at half-time, and it is an advantage that their efforts merit. Despite having much less of the ball, the Wolverhampton side have committed to defending resolutely and then raiding forward when the chance arises to break, and when presented the chance to strike by a Diego Carlos mistake midway through the half, Cunha pounced. His clinical finish was not the only opportunity the visitors carved out at Villa Park, as Ait-Nouri also came close, and their xG stands at 0.5 to the hosts' meagre 0.08. It seems to be a classic case of Champions League hangover for the Villans, but can they respond like last weekend and turn this game around after the break?
Aston Villa vs Wolverhampton Wanderers15:56
HALF-TIME: ASTON VILLA 0-1 WOLVES
Aston Villa vs Wolverhampton Wanderers15:56
As the action peters out in midfield, McGinn heads towards the touchline, so Aston Villa may be without their Scottish skipper for the second half. There will be some big decisions for Emery to make during the interval.
Aston Villa vs Wolverhampton Wanderers15:54
The game is paused while McGinn receives treatment for what seems to be a minor injury, while both sets of supporters trade insults. This first half really has felt like a true local rivalry, and so far Wolves are deservedly coming out on top.
Aston Villa vs Wolverhampton Wanderers15:51
After a number of early stoppages and a total of four bookings, there will be at least five additional minutes played at the end of this all-action first half.
Aston Villa vs Wolverhampton Wanderers15:51
Wolves are on top as the first half draws to a close, with Villa Park falling into near silence as Dawson sees a header cleared away from the hosts' six-yard box. The home fans are tense, perhaps sensing that their team could soon be trailing by two.
Aston Villa vs Wolverhampton Wanderers15:48
On the break, Strand Larsen is sent clear into the area, but as he slows to shoot from just inside the box, Diego Carlos narrows his angle and the striker shoots straight at Martinez. Villa's number one has been by far the busier goalkeeper so far.
Aston Villa vs Wolverhampton Wanderers15:48
Villa have not had a shot on target so far in this match, so surely Emery will be contemplating half-time changes. Not necessarily in terms of personnel, but attacking approach or perhaps even formation.
Aston Villa vs Wolverhampton Wanderers15:44
Left with little support near the right byline, Onana does well to earn Aston Villa a corner. Perhaps set-piece situations could unlock Wolves' stubborn defence, as they are not making much headway through open play.
Aston Villa vs Wolverhampton Wanderers15:43
Ramsey's attempted throughball is blocked by one of several gold-shirted players camped on the edge of the Wolves area. To this point, the visitors have defended with great commitment and have barely offered up even a half-chance.
Aston Villa vs Wolverhampton Wanderers15:41
Wolves are enduring their worst run of results for over two years - and since the start of March they have also earned fewer points (nine) than any other current Premier League team - yet they are putting on a gritty performance today, against a Champions League side. It's so far, so good for O'Neil.
Aston Villa vs Wolverhampton Wanderers15:40
A driving run by McGinn ends with a low throughball to Watkins, who then plays a smart first-time flicked pass to Rogers. The latter is crowded out when attempting to shoot from close range, though, before Wolves clear the danger.
Aston Villa vs Wolverhampton Wanderers15:36
CLOSE! After a deflected ball loops up into his path, Ait-Nouri strikes a shot towards the target from 10 yards out, but it takes a flick off a defender and painfully trickles just wide of the right-hand post! That goal from Cunha has boosted Wolves' confidence, and even their full-backs are flying forward.
Aston Villa vs Wolverhampton Wanderers15:35
Johnstone calmly comes off his line to claim the ball after Tielemans takes another free-kick from the left flank - this time, it strays too close to the Wolves goalkeeper. Aston Villa will have to step up a gear if they are to draw level before half-time.
Aston Villa vs Wolverhampton Wanderers15:32
Joao Gomes flies into a tackle on Digne, upending the Villa left-back and earning himself a booking.
Aston Villa vs Wolverhampton Wanderers15:30
WOLVES LEAD! Cunha strikes at Villa Park - it's 1-0 to Wolves! An awful error by Diego Carlos hands the visitors a precious advantage! The Brazilian defender - back in the starting lineup today - sends a stray pass straight to his compatriot, who calmly moves forward and beats an out-of-position Martinez with a tremendous early strike! It goes in off the left-hand post!
Aston Villa vs Wolverhampton Wanderers15:32
Yellow Card Pau Francisco Torres
Aston Villa vs Wolverhampton Wanderers15:31
Goal Matheus Santos Carneiro da Cunha
Aston Villa vs Wolverhampton Wanderers15:28
A promising position comes to nothing for the home side, as Tielemans puts a free-kick into the area for Watkins to flick on. No-one wearing claret and blue can react, so Wolves ultimately clear their lines.
Aston Villa vs Wolverhampton Wanderers15:26
While Villa have had 61% of possession so far, they've yet to threaten Johnstone's goal. As things stand, Opta's live win-predictor gives Wolves just a 21% chance of winning this match and ending their long wait for a league victory, but they are very much in this contest.
Aston Villa vs Wolverhampton Wanderers15:23
SAVE! Another Cunha corner from the left is fired in towards Wolves captain Lemina, who again gets to the ball first inside Aston Villa's area. This time, he plants a firm header straight at Martinez, who reaches up and makes a smart save!
Aston Villa vs Wolverhampton Wanderers15:20
Yellow Card Nélson Cabral Semedo
Aston Villa vs Wolverhampton Wanderers15:18
There's more disruption to the game's early flow, as Cunha is left down on the turf following a midfield challenge. He eventually gets back to his feet and pings a cross into Villa's penalty area from 40 yards out, but Wolves are then penalised for offside.
Aston Villa vs Wolverhampton Wanderers15:18
Bellegarde returns to the fray, as Wolves drop into a deep defensive shape, trying to keep Aston Villa at arm's length. The visitors have a pretty good Premier League record at Villa Park, but recent results will leave them wary of being caught out at the back.
Aston Villa vs Wolverhampton Wanderers15:15
The action is halted once again, as Bellegarde takes a blow to the head and must be assessed by the medics. He is able to walk off unaided, but the game resumes without him.
Aston Villa vs Wolverhampton Wanderers15:14
Rogers and Digne combine on the left, but the latter's outswinging cross is headed away from immediate danger by Dawson, who was a fitness doubt for today's game. Wolves will need their veteran defender to be at his best today, having struggled so much defensively.
Aston Villa vs Wolverhampton Wanderers15:11
After a brief delay, with Dawson having sustained a knock while contesting the ball at the set-piece, the action resumes. This game between two local rivals has started with typical intensity, backed by a lively atmosphere at Villa Park.
Aston Villa vs Wolverhampton Wanderers15:09
Yellow Card Rayan Aït-Nouri
Aston Villa vs Wolverhampton Wanderers15:09
Good work on the left by Cunha earns Wolves their first corner-kick of the match, and the Brazilian forward takes it himself. A flat cross towards the penalty spot is flicked goalwards by Lemina, but it only spins straight towards a waiting Martinez.
Aston Villa vs Wolverhampton Wanderers15:07
Digne's surging run to the left byline is not quite enough to keep a long throughball in play, and though the French full-back claims for a corner it is not awarded. It's been a pretty bright start from the home side.
Aston Villa vs Wolverhampton Wanderers15:04
Following a minute's applause to celebrate the life of Aston Villa legend Gary Shaw - a 1982 European Cup winner, who passed away earlier this week - Wolves kick off and we are under way in Birmingham.
Aston Villa vs Wolverhampton Wanderers15:03
The players are out on the pitch at Villa Park, and kick-off in this Premier League contest is now just moments away!
Aston Villa vs Wolverhampton Wanderers15:00
After making 10 changes for Wednesday's EFL Cup clash - with only Joao Gomes retained from the side that started against Newcastle - Wolves revert to last week's league lineup. Cunha and Larsen are paired up front, while Johnstone replaces Jose Sa in goal. Toti Gomes has failed to overcome a hamstring strain, but Ait-Nouri is fit to return at left-back.
Aston Villa vs Wolverhampton Wanderers14:54
Aston Villa make one change to the XI that started on Tuesday, as Diego Carlos replaces Bogarde in defence, meaning Konsa will switch to right-back. Watkins holds off competition from Duran to start up front. Once again long-term absentees Boubacar Kamara and Tyrone Mings - both of whom have returned to full training - join Matty Cash and Jaden Philogene on the sidelines.
Aston Villa vs Wolverhampton Wanderers14:49
SUBS: Jose Sa, Matt Doherty, Santiago Bueno, Hwang Hee-Chan, Rodrigo Gomes, Tommy Doyle, Pablo Sarabia, Carlos Forbs, Goncalo Guedes.
Aston Villa vs Wolverhampton Wanderers14:45
WOLVES (4-4-1-1): Sam Johnstone; Nelson Semedo, Yerson Mosquera, Craig Dawson, Rayan Ait-Nouri; Mario Lemina, Andre, Joao Gomes, Jean-Ricner Bellegarde; Matheus Cunha; Jorgen Strand Larsen.
Aston Villa vs Wolverhampton Wanderers14:45
SUBS: Joe Gauci, Ross Barkley, Jhon Duran, Emiliano Buendia, Kosta Nedeljkovic, Ian Maatsen, Lamare Bogarde, Leon Bailey, Kadan Young.
Aston Villa vs Wolverhampton Wanderers14:45
ASTON VILLA (4-2-3-1): Emiliano Martinez; Ezri Konsa, Diego Carlos, Pau Torres, Lucas Digne; Amadou Onana, Youri Tielemans; John McGinn, Morgan Rogers, Jacob Ramsey; Ollie Watkins.
Aston Villa vs Wolverhampton Wanderers14:39
Wolves have put just a single point on the board so far, after going down to a 2-1 defeat against Newcastle United last week. Gary O'Neil has now overseen just one win across his team's last 14 Premier League matches - a run featuring no fewer than 10 losses - and they also exited the EFL Cup to Brighton in midweek. While Wolves were beaten 2-0 in their most recent meeting with today's hosts, they have lost only one of their last five league games at Villa Park.
Aston Villa vs Wolverhampton Wanderers14:39
Fresh from starting their Champions League campaign with success in Switzerland, Aston Villa now return to Premier League duty with a game against local rivals. After adapting to a plastic pitch in Bern, they ultimately ran out 3-0 winners over Young Boys to start the league phase with maximum points, making it three wins on the spin for Unai Emery's men. Last week, Villa fought back to beat Everton 3-2, with super-sub Jhon Duran striking a spectacular winner as they moved onto nine points from a possible 12.
Aston Villa vs Wolverhampton Wanderers14:33
Hello and welcome to live coverage of today's Premier League clash between Aston Villa and Wolves!
Aston Villa vs Wolverhampton Wanderers13:00
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