WOLVES BEAT ASTON VILLA 2-0 @ HOME TO CLIMB OUT OF RELEGATION WATERS

Wolves moved out of the bottom three as Jean-Ricner Bellegarde and Matheus Cunha’s goals saw off Aston Villa for their first Premier League victory of 2025.

Bellegarde finished off a brilliant move for Vitor Pereira’s side as he ran off the shoulder of Boubacar Kamara and drilled the ball low and hard into the bottom corner from a tight angle.

Then deep into stoppage time Cunha glided into the box and arrowed a precise finish past Emiliano Martinez to wrap up a well-deserved victory.

Hours after the match Wolves confirmed that Brazil forward Cunha, who had been linked with a move away from Molineux in the past month, had signed a new four-and-a-half-year contract.

Goncalo Guedes missed a hat-trick of chances to make Wolves’ lead much more comfortable before half-time.

Arsenal target Ollie Watkins went off injured at the break in a blow to Unai Emery’s side after fellow striker Jhon Duran departed for Al-Nassr this week.

Substitute Donyell Malen almost made a swift impact after he was introduced, but his first Villa goal was ruled out for offside after a video assistant referee (VAR) check ruled that Morgan Rogers’ movement impeded the run of Nelson Semedo.

The victory moves Wolves up to 17th, two points above Leicester City, while Villa remain eighth.

Cunha signs Wolves deal after wrapping up win

It is the first time since 26 December against Manchester United that Wolves have won in the league – and they did it the hard way.

“We played as a team with true spirit, working together and suffering together,” boss Pereira said

“I’m very happy. An important game not only for the three points but to break this [winless run].”

Cunha was denied by keeper Martinez after being sent through on goal and bustling past Kamara with Guedes firing the rebound narrowly wide.

Just before the break, Guedes had another opportunity but lacked composure at the crucial moment, shooting wide of the target once again.

Guedes latched on to a through ball but a sprawling save from Martinez denied him for the third time, before Cunha finally sealed Wolves’ win with a great finish.

The Brazil forward had been linked with a move away from Molineux, but at the final whistle he gestured to the home fans that he was staying, before repeatedly tapping his heart and kissing the Wolves badge.

In a final gesture Cunha blew kisses in every direction and headed down the tunnel after sealing a vital three points, before Wolves announced the striker’s new deal 22:15 GMT.

Kesh Awefada

Kesh Awefada

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