Aston Villa vs Wolves (h)
By Rob Carter
In a Word
Satisfying
‘Making you feel pleased by providing what you need or want.’
Cambridge Dictionary
The Carter Report
For some reason, average Wolves teams have proved stubbornly obdurate for the Claret & Blue side of the Midlands to deal with in recent years; indeed, the last time Villa were victorious against them at Villa Park, Juan Pablo Angel was still leading the attack. Could Emery put another hoodoo to bed?
You bet he could.
Despite being McGinn-less, the home side ran out to a raucous reception, helped by a lubricated crowd, able to enjoy some extra hours of liquid refreshment before the later 17:30 kick-off.
Villa set about their West Midlands neighbours with gusto, and despite having a Douglas Luiz goal ruled out, soon went 1-0 ahead courtesy of a rejuvenated Moussa Diaby. The Frenchman, confidence boosted by a return to his national squad in the March international break, sparkled throughout this encounter, and is coming back into form at exactly the right time. Working well in tandem with Leon Bailey, at times that partnership is unplayable.
Despite worrying injury news at half-time, with Ollie Watkins not reappearing for the second half, Villa controlled this game and made sure of the points with a rare goal from Ezri Konsa (which he definitely didn’t mean).
Perhaps the highlight of the second half for many on the Holte End was a ten minute long rendition of ‘Small Heath get battered, everywhere they go,’ which the players seemed to enjoy every bit as much as the rest of us.
With the ‘Chaos Twins’ Nicola Zaniolo and Jhon Duran to the fore, another three home points never looked in doubt. Perhaps Unai Emery has stumbled on a combination of forward players who can mitigate the absence of Watkins.
With Spurs dropping points at West Ham on Tuesday night, Villa will now go into the weekend in 4th place, whatever happens in what looks like a daunting trip (as ever) to The Etihad.
After City, attention will turn to two huge home games, with Brentford and then Lille visiting Villa Park. The Londoners have proved tricky opponents for Villa at times, but, currently languishing not far above the bottom three in the Premier Leage, many home fans will be anticipating a victory.
On paper at least, French outfit Lille could be the sterner test. It will be interesting to see how Emery plays this one, with Villa at home in the first leg, something we have not seen this season. It feels like a two goal lead may be required, with the French side in good form, and also sitting 4th in their domestic league.
Things are about to get (even more) interesting.
UTV.
Value rating: £35 (out of £41)
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