Wolves vs Aston Villa LIVE: Premier League result and final score
Wolves 1-0 Aston Villa: Toti’s early header earns the hosts three points
An early goal from defender Toti earned Wolverhampton Wanderers a gritty 1-0 win over Aston Villa on Saturday to all but ensure Julen Lopetegui’s side stay in the Premier League next season.
Toti shrugged off the attentions of Jacob Ramsey to head home Ruben Neves’s corner in the ninth minute and give the home side a victory that moved them up to 13th in the table.
Villa nearly equalised four minutes later when Emiliano Buendia drew a diving, one-handed save from Wolves goalkeeper Jose Sa with a beautifully-struck effort with the outside of his right boot.
Craig Dawson made a crucial block to deny Buendia again towards the end of the first half before Matheus Cunha passed up a glorious chance to double Wolves’s lead when he blazed over the bar.
Ashley Young went close after a Villa corner and Tyrone Mings fired over from close range following a free kick, but chances were at a premium in the second half with Wolves content to pack the defence and soak up pressure.
Wolves moved on to 40 points, 10 clear of the relegation zone, while Villa stayed eighth after their second defeat in a row.
Wolverhampton Wanderers vs Aston Villa
In an attempt to run the clock down, Wolves are making their last change. Nunes goes off for Moutinho.
Wolverhampton Wanderers vs Aston Villa
Into three added minutes here and Neves clips another corner into the box. Mings gets a glancing touch at the near post, and it's just to put Toti off as he can't direct his header on goal.
Wolverhampton Wanderers vs Aston Villa
Villa's latest corner is cleared, but Wolves flood forward to try and force a mistake. Carlos knocks it back to Martinez, who is on the edge of the centre circle, and he just manages to lift his pass over Neves as he rushes in.
Wolverhampton Wanderers vs Aston Villa
Every one of Villa's outfield players are currently camped in Wolves' half as they continue their push for a goal. It's worked out to the right again, and they win another free-kick when Konsa is upended by Traore.
Wolverhampton Wanderers vs Aston Villa
And Luiz is also making way, with Kamara on for him.
Wolverhampton Wanderers vs Aston Villa
Final changes for Villa now as they continue their search for a late equaliser. Moreno goes off for Digne.
Wolverhampton Wanderers vs Aston Villa
And Traore is also brought on in place of Neto.
Wolverhampton Wanderers vs Aston Villa
Double change for Wolves now as they prepare to defend this Villa free-kick. Costa is the first to go off, with Collins replacing him.
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