Substitute Danny Ings’ late equalizer earned Aston Villa a point and robbed Wolves of an important Premier League victory in their West Midlands derby at Villa Park.
Ings canceled out Daniel Podence’s delicious first-half strike as he lifted the ball past Jose Sa after his run behind the defense was spotted by Tyrone Mings’ superb pass.
Podence ensured the visitors capitalized on their determined start as the Portugal forward swept past Douglas Luiz before wrapping up a 12th-minute opener past World Cup-winning goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez.
Making his first appearance since lifting the World Cup with Argentina last month, Golden Glove winner Martinez was called upon to deny Matheus Nunes from close range as the visitors continued to offer the biggest threat.
The hosts finally got into action in the final 20 minutes, with Max Kilman heading Ludwig Augustinsson’s shot off the line before Ings’ leveler.
But despite relentless pressure they were unable to force a late winner and an emotional Leon Bailey had to be consoled by his teammates at full-time after missing a late chance, shooting wide from an angle after bypassing Sa in downtime. .
“It’s a huge chance. He was crying but it’s good,” Villa manager Unai Emery said, speaking to BBC Sport, of Bailey’s chance.
“If he’s crying it’s because he was feeling, and feeling times like that and having responsibility is good. I want to help them take responsibility and do their best.”
Wolves remain in the relegation spots, one point from safety, while Villa move up one place to 11th.
Emery and Lopetegui share the points again
It was the second time in two different league competitions this season that Unai Emery and Julen Lopetegui have shared the touchline, with the two Spaniards becoming the first managers to meet in La Liga and the Premier League in the same season.
The first meeting, in Spain’s top flight in September, saw Emery’s Villarreal return to earn a 1-1 draw with Sevilla.
Once again, albeit this time in the West Midlands, Lopetegui saw his side denied victory, the one that would have lifted Wolves out of the relegation places.
Wolves’ shortcomings in attack were key to their struggles at the start of the season – they remain the league’s worst scorers with 11 goals in 18 games – but a rare moment of quality from Podence ensured their encouraging start never remained. not without reward.
Ezri Konsa had already cleared Nathan Collins’ header from the line by then, while only Martinez’s quick reactions prevented Nunes from extending the advantage.
Villa have looked well organized in defense and dynamic in attack so far under Emery, but they have struggled to maintain their momentum since Sunday’s impressive 2-0 win at Tottenham against highly motivated Wolves.
Despite an encouraging start to life under Emery, there were signs of frustration among the home support with the hosts in second place for long stretches in the first half, and the half-time whistle was welcomed by a few boos.
But Wolves retreated after the break and Bailey, Cash, Buendia and Augustinsson all had their efforts rebuffed amid a flurry of chances before Ings’ arrival kept Villa Park waiting for a late winner .
Without a doubt, the biggest chance to win the game went to Bailey, who was obviously reliving his failure again in the 94th minute as he collapsed to the ground full time.
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