Matheus Cunha sealed a crucial 2-0 win for Wolves over Aston Villa, lifting Vítor Pereira’s side out of the Premier League relegation zone.
After Jean-Ricner Bellegarde‘s early strike, Wolves dominated the first half but failed to extend their lead. Aston Villa thought they had equalized through Donyell Malen, but the goal was ruled out for offside by VAR.
With Villa struggling to create chances, Cunha capitalized on a mistake by Ezri Konsa to secure the win in the final minutes.
The victory sees Wolves climb to 17th, moving two points above the relegation zone, while Villa remain eighth after a disappointing performance that also saw Ollie Watkins suffer an injury.
Match Recap
🔹 First Half
- 12′ | Goal – Wolves 1-0 Aston Villa 🟠
Jean-Ricner Bellegarde finished a well-worked team move, smashing a shot past Emiliano Martinez at his near post. - Wolves continued to dominate, with Matheus Cunha and Gonçalo Guedes missing big chances to extend the lead.
🔹 Second Half
- 49′ | VAR Disallows Malen’s Goal ❌
Donyell Malen tapped in a cross, but VAR ruled it out for offside, controversially deciding that Morgan Rogers had interfered with play. - Villa failed to create clear chances, with Jose Sá only making one real save.
- 89′ | Goal – Wolves 2-0 Aston Villa 🟠
Matheus Cunha punished Ezri Konsa’s defensive mistake, rifling a shot into the net to secure the win.
Player Ratings & Stats
Wolves (3-4-2-1)
| Player | Rating |
|---|---|
| GK: Jose Sá | 7.4/10 |
| CB: Max Kilman | 7.5/10 |
| CB: Santiago Bueno | 7.2/10 |
| CB: Toti Gomes | 7.0/10 |
| RWB: Nelson Semedo | 7.3/10 |
| CM: João Gomes | 7.6/10 |
| CM: Mario Lemina | 7.4/10 |
| LWB: Rayan Aït-Nouri | 7.0/10 |
| CAM: Matheus Cunha | 8.1/10 ⭐ (Man of the Match) |
| CAM: Jean-Ricner Bellegarde | 7.8/10 |
| ST: Gonçalo Guedes | 6.8/10 |
🔄 Substitutes:
- Pablo Sarabia (73′) – 6.5/10
- Hwang Hee-chan (85′) – 6.7/10
Aston Villa (4-2-3-1)
| Player | Rating |
|---|---|
| GK: Emiliano Martinez | 6.2/10 |
| RB: Matty Cash | 6.4/10 |
| CB: Ezri Konsa | 5.8/10 |
| CB: Pau Torres | 6.5/10 |
| LB: Lucas Digne | 6.3/10 |
| CM: John McGinn | 6.7/10 |
| CM: Douglas Luiz | 6.6/10 |
| RW: Leon Bailey | 6.5/10 |
| AM: Morgan Rogers | 6.3/10 |
| LW: Jacob Ramsey | 6.4/10 |
| ST: Ollie Watkins | 6.2/10 |
🔄 Substitutes:
- Donyell Malen (HT) – 6.9/10
- Moussa Diaby (HT) – 6.6/10
- Youri Tielemans (HT) – 6.5/10
- Jhon Duran (HT) – 6.2/10
Key Takeaways
✅ Wolves Move Out of the Drop Zone – Pereira’s side secured a massive win, climbing two points above the relegation zone.
✅ Villa’s Attacking Struggles Continue – Emery’s side failed to score for the sixth time this season, highlighting their need for reinforcements.
✅ Cunha Steps Up – The Brazilian delivered when it mattered most, punishing Villa’s defensive mistake late in the game.
✅ VAR Controversy – Malen’s disallowed goal was a major talking point, with many questioning the decision.
Final Verdict
Wolves deserved the win, displaying defensive resilience and clinical finishing when it mattered most.
Villa’s Champions League push takes a hit, as they struggle for creativity and cutting edge in attack. With Ollie Watkins injured, their pursuit of Marcus Rashford could become even more crucial.
🔥 Can Wolves build on this momentum and avoid relegation? Let us know your thoughts! 👇
Final Score: Wolves 2-0 Aston Villa
