Wolves Vs Aston Villa: Joao Gomes and Rodrigo Gomes seal 2-0 Molineux derby shock
The bottom club stunned third-placed neighbours as Joao Gomes and substitute Rodrigo Gomes delivered a 2-0 victory at a wet Molineux — a result that matters because it lifted Wolves off the Premier League’s lowest-ever points trajectory and left Aston Villa vulnerable in the top-four race. The Wolves vs aston villa fixture produced late drama and emotional scenes from head coach Rob Edwards.
Wolves Vs Aston Villa: decisive goals and match flow
Wolves took the lead in the second half when Adam Armstrong’s lay-off found Joao Gomes, who finished well to break the deadlock. The victory was sealed deep into stoppage-time when substitute Rodrigo Gomes raced on the break and beat Emi Martinez to make it 2-0. The match was played in wet conditions in Wolverhampton and featured periods when Villa probed without creating clear openings; Ollie Watkins had a shot blocked, Pau Torres headed wide and Douglas Luiz volleyed at goalkeeper Jose Sa.
Rob Edwards’ reaction and emotional celebration
Rob Edwards described the evening as a "special moment in a really difficult season, " saying nights like this were the reason he returned to the club. He framed the win as the product of following a plan against a tactically strong Villa and praised the crowd for backing the players. Edwards revealed Joao Gomes had been on the bench against Arsenal because he was not fit and had been pressured to produce a man-of-the-match performance; he delivered. Edwards also admitted he lost himself celebrating, quipping that his daughters must have wondered what he was doing, and added that he pulled his calf and put his foot through a board in his celebrations. The club confirmed this was Edwards’ second Premier League win since taking charge.
Key moments: Toti miscues, defensive resilience and late stoppage strike
Wolves’ best chance in the opening period came when the returning Toti Gomes miscued his shot. Villa’s early efforts nevertheless failed to trouble Wolves significantly until the second half. Unai Emery made a double change on the hour in an attempt to shift momentum, but it was Wolves who found the breakthrough. After Joao’s goal, Villa pushed, introducing Tammy Abraham, but Wolves defended resolutely with blocks and effort that Edwards singled out. Chants of "1-0 to the Championship" echoed around Molineux as the home support celebrated a rare victory over their neighbours.
Lineups and player ratings from the match
Wolves’ starting XI and match ratings: Sa, Tchatchoua, Mosquera, S Bueno, Toti, H Bueno, Andre, Joao Gomes, Bellegarde, Mane, Armstrong. Substitutes recorded: Arokodare, A Gomes (n/a), R Gomes (n/a). Joao Gomes was named Player of the Match.
Aston Villa’s starting XI and match ratings: Martinez, Cash, Konsa, Torres, Digne, Onana, Luiz, Sancho, Buendia, Rogers, Watkins. Villa substitutes were graded: Bailey, Barkley, Maatsen, Abraham, Alysson (n/a).
Standings impact, reactions and broader implications
The result meant Wolves overhauled Derby’s all-time Premier League low points haul, removing the threat of that particular ignominy and providing relief for home supporters. The win offers a rare high point in a difficult season for the bottom club, but the wider consequence is felt more keenly at Aston Villa: Unai Emery’s side could fall below Manchester United into fourth place on Sunday. Unai Emery reacted to the reverse, though his detailed remarks were not included in the match material.
What makes this notable is how a single result combined individual moments — a composed finish from Joao Gomes and a stoppage-time break from Rodrigo Gomes — with sustained defensive work to produce a result that changes immediate narratives for both clubs. Wolves remain in a perilous position overall and were described as "doomed" in commentary around the game, yet they will savour inflicting a major blow on their neighbours and giving supporters a memorable night at Molineux.
