At Molineux on 27/2, Wolves controlled possession for only 39% of the game but still secured three points thanks to goals from Joao Gomes and substitute Rodrigo Gomes. Wolves delivered their second upset in 10 days, following a 2-2 home draw against league leaders Arsenal.

Joao Gomes celebrates the opening goal during Wolves' 2-0 victory over Aston Villa in Premier League round 28 at Molineux, Wolverhampton, West Midlands, England on 27/2. Photo: AP

Under coach Unai Emery, Aston Villa had lost only two of 26 Premier League matches against teams starting the round in the relegation zone (winning 18, drawing 6), with both defeats being 0-2 at Wolves' home ground.

This also marks the first time Aston Villa has lost to the bottom-placed team in the league since their 0-1 defeat to West Ham under coach Steven Gerrard in 8/2022.

This result puts Aston Villa at risk of losing their third-place spot to Manchester United. Emery's side currently has 51 points, three points more than Manchester United, having played one more match. Given their superior goal difference (+11 compared to +8), the "Red Devils" will move up to third if they defeat Crystal Palace in their late match on 1/3.

Coach Unai Emery gives instructions during the match. Photo: Aston Villa

After the match, coach Unai Emery called for unity from his team and supporters. "I am grateful to the fans who came to support us. Playing here is always difficult. But even with this loss, over the past three years, we have achieved our goals. Of course, we are disappointed, but that can happen," the Spanish coach stated.

He acknowledged that the team's ambitions had shifted throughout the season. "In September, the goal was to avoid relegation. In December, I was happy thinking about the top 5 and a Champions League spot. One month ago, I even dreamed of winning the championship. Now, we are at an average level to compete for the top 5," Emery said, emphasizing the fierce competition from Liverpool, Chelsea, and Manchester United in the race for Champions League qualification.

Former midfielder Lee Hendrie warned that Aston Villa is at risk of a decline as pressure mounts. He suggested that Aston Villa recently lacked the resilience that previously propelled the team forward. "Not long ago, people were talking about a potential championship. Now, the risk of dropping out of the top 5 is real. If that happens, it would be a disaster for their season," Hendrie commented.

On 4/3, Aston Villa will return home to face Chelsea in Premier League round 29.

Hong Duy