Aston Villa claimed an important win in their pursuit of Champions League football, defeating West Midlands rivals Wolves 2-0 at Villa Park.
Moussa Diaby opened the scoring in the first half before Ezri Konsa doubled the lead just after the hour mark. The victory matches Villa’s tally of 18 top-flight wins from last season, with eight games left to play this term.
The hosts had Emi Martinez to thank for not falling behind early on as he flung himself at Rayan Ait-Nouri's effort from close range. The Wolves full-back was presented with an excellent opportunity to score after the ball fell at his feet from a cross, but Martinez was on hand to deny him.
READ | Ezri Konsa nails Aston Villa verdict ahead of Champions League push
READ | Unai Emery makes surprise Aston Villa admission as Man Utd warning sent
It was a free-kick routine which unlocked the Wolves defence as Douglas Luiz picked out Leon Bailey on the left, before the winger rolled across the box for Diaby to apply the finish. Ollie Watkins was replaced at half-time for Jhon Duran, before Villa managed to extend their lead just after half-time following the introduction of Nicolo Zaniolo.
The Italian made an impact after coming on for Morgan Rogers - who enjoyed his best performance since joining the club in January - and his positivity helped Villa extend their lead. Wolves were the better of the two sides for the first 20 minutes of the second period, but were unable to recover when Konsa lobbed Jose Sa from an acute angle.
After returning to the top four, having momentarily been pushed out by Tottenham, Villa take on Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday before hosting Brentford at Villa Park next Saturday.
Aston Villa 2 Wolves 0 - the match in pictures
Emi Martinez
Made an excellent save to deny Ait-Nouri from close range in the first half - only the best goalkeepers make that save. It could've been a different game if it weren't for Martinez's heroics. 9*
Ezri Konsa
After a couple of excellent performances for England during the international break, Konsa continued his fine form for Villa. Nothing went down his side this evening and he even chipped in with a goal. Who cares if he meant it? 8
Diego Carlos
Came back in the side, replacing Clement Lenglet. He was assured on the ball and kept a lid on Wolves' threat throughout. A fine night's work from the Brazilian. 7
Pau Torres
After a couple of shaky moments early in the final half, Torres was soon playing balls from right to left no problem. He makes Villa tick. 7
Alex Moreno
He was always an option on the left when Villa advanced into the final third and sustained pressure, but his final ball was lacking today. He came off for Lucas Digne in the second half. 6
Douglas Luiz
Played a cute ball to Bailey, which led to Villa's opener as Diaby turned in the winger's cross. Ran the game at times alongside Tielemans. 7
Youri Tielemans
Excellent through ball to Rogers in the first half, but the forward couldn't then feed Watkins in behind. Some 15 minutes later he played an even better pass to find Watkins' run which nobody else spotted in the stadium. Watkins missed. 7
Leon Bailey
It was a quiet first half for Bailey, but he played the all-important cross for Diaby to break the deadlock. He was brighter in the second period and caused problems on the right. 7
Morgan Rogers
Carried the ball very well, got Sarabia booked. Caused problems when he drifted inside and carried the ball forward. Very positive performance. 7
Moussa Diaby
Made his first league start since the end of January tonight and showed the sort of form he demonstrated at the start of the season. Bagged Villa's goal with aplomb. Received a standing ovation when he came off late on in the second half. 8
Ollie Watkins
After being flagged offside earlier in the first half, Watkins then hesitated in front of goal after being picked out by an exceptional pass from Tielemans. Watkins was replaced by Duran at half-time. 6
SUBS
Jhon Duran (for Watkins, 45'): An unexpected change at the break. He wasn't particularly involved and took 20 minutes to take his first touch. He held the ball up well late on. 6
Nicolo Zaniolo (for Rogers, 63'): Made a brilliant impact after coming on. Added poise and purpose to Villa's attacks and came close to scoring in successive games. 7
Lucas Digne (for Moreno, 63'): He'll be hoping to start against Man City on Wednesday. 6
Tim Iroegbunam (for Diaby, 88'): N/A
Leon Bailey (for Kesler-Hayden, 90 6'): N/A
Subs not used: Olsen, Chambers, Lenglet, Kellyman.
GOALS
Aston Villa: Diaby (36'), Konsa (65')
Wolves: N/A
I watched Aston Villa claim key win in top four race - player ratings after 2-0 victory vs Wolves
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31.03.2024
Aston Villa claimed an important win in their pursuit of Champions League football, defeating West Midlands rivals Wolves 2-0 at Villa Park.
Moussa Diaby opened the scoring in the first half before Ezri Konsa doubled the lead just after the hour mark. The victory matches Villa’s tally of 18 top-flight wins from last season, with eight games left to play this term.
The hosts had Emi Martinez to thank for not falling behind early on as he flung himself at Rayan Ait-Nouri's effort from close range. The Wolves full-back was presented with an excellent opportunity to score after the ball fell at his feet from a cross, but Martinez was on hand to deny him.
READ | Ezri Konsa nails Aston Villa verdict ahead of Champions League push
READ | Unai Emery makes surprise Aston Villa admission as Man Utd warning sent
It was a free-kick routine which unlocked the Wolves defence as Douglas Luiz picked out Leon Bailey on the left, before the winger rolled across the box for Diaby to apply the finish. Ollie Watkins was replaced at half-time for Jhon Duran, before Villa managed to extend their lead just after half-time following the introduction of Nicolo Zaniolo.
The........
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