Wolves derby Victory against Aston Villa spared them an undesirable piece of Premier League history, though even relegation looms big at Molineux. During a season that has been characterized by difficulty, it was a spirited effort by the side of Rob Edwards to win the match only once in the league and to leave behind the notorious 11 point mark of Derby County of 2007-08.
To start with, the circumstances of this Wolves derby victory could not have been more clear-cut. Lying at the bottom of the table and universally thought to sink into the Championship, Wolves went into the game knowing that a defeat would put them among the lowest points table in the history of the Premier league. Rather Joao Gomes and Rodrigo Gomes set goals which hoisted them to 13 points to give a night of celebration to the home fans, a rare occasion.
Villa, who had since come with the ambitions, had come to tighten their hold on the third place. A victory would have placed them 6 points above the fourth placed Manchester United. Nonetheless, the men of Unai Emery failed miserably, and now they have lost 2 in the last three league matches, having only two more wins in their recent history of 7 games.
The breakthrough was followed by a first hour of a well balanced struggle. In the first half Villa had been threatening and Pau Torres misdirected a free header and Douglas Luiz volleyed directly at Jose Sa. Wolves themselves, however, were able to be small and patient. Their opportunity came in the 61 st minute and they seized it ruthlessly. Back across the crossbar, Adam Armstrong created an opportunity that Joao Gomes took and the stands went ablaze and the tide turned altogether.
Nevertheless, the tension continued up to stoppage time. Abraham, who came in to replace Tammy, was brought by Emery as an equaliser, pressing bodies forward. That was a gamble that was not to be. Rodrigo Gomes made a break on the counter and reposed his position by calmly sloting home to complete the Wolves derby victory and the management hurried down the touchline in celebration.
In the case of Wolves, it is more than three points. It delivers pride and belief. Edwards has tried to find strength and togetherness in a team whose position in the league is almost guaranteed to a squad that is already about to drop. The fans in the house, who cheered One-nil to the Championship following the initial goal, welcomed the gallows humor and admitted the fight that was there.
Most notably, this show gives a clue about the possibility of a momentum to the last nine matches. Even though survival is impossible, the way the Wolves won the derby game means that the club will be able to enter the drop with a statement instead of surrendering. Confidence might be vital to be built at this decision time in a bid to get back to the top flight immediately the following season.
In its turn, it is worrisome that Villa has such a trajectory. The absence of squad depth has been revealed by injuries to Boubacar Kamara, John McGinn and Youri Tielemans. This was getting to the point of frustration, with Ezri Konsa talking back to traveling fans and gestures of impatience at the time of substitutions by his teammates. The agitation which Emery displayed on the touch line was a sign of the mounting strain.
Besides, this loss may have physical implications to the Champions League competition. Manchester United can also jump Villa on a goal difference and the future matches with Chelsea and the rest of top-six contenders will unleash the determination. The psychological inconveniency of a derby defeat with a relegated opposition might also last longer than the dropped points.
Lastly, although the long-term future of Wolves seems to be determined, this Wolves derby win redefines the direction of their season. They might be going to the Championship and they will not have the burden of historical futility. In the case of Villa, the setback adds to the scrutiny at a critical phase of their campaign.
Finally, a single night at Molineux provided me with opposite feelings. Wolves won dignity and momentum as they were facing relegation, Aston Villa had to face shaky form and mounting tension. With the season going into its make-or-buy season, the two clubs are suddenly confronted with two major issues, one planning on life in the bottom, the other worried about retaining its spot in the European elite.
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