Another below-par performance for Steven Gerrard’s Aston Villa in their local derby against Wolverhampton Wanderers made it three defeats in a row in the Premier League.
Gerrard made a few changes as Lucas Digne returned following injury while Leon Bailey and Morgan Sanson replaced Douglas Luiz and Danny Ings. The latter was missing due to his partner having a baby.
Villa were slow out of the traps and not for the first time this season but it was more defensive errors that ultimately cost them.
John McGinn slipped with the ball and allowed Joao Moutinho to race forward with the ball. He found Daniel Podence out wide as Ezri Konsa also slipped and allowed the forward to run in on goal. Podence delayed his shot and was dispossessed, Fabio Silva could only watch on as his shot was blocked before the ball fell to Jonny who smashed the ball into the top corner on the half-volley.
The Wolves fans were right behind their side as the home side began to dominate the game and it wasn’t long before they doubled their lead through another error from Villa.
Marcal crossed the ball and it caused chaos in the Villa area and Ashley Young, who earlier replaced the injured Digne, put the ball into his own net following pressure from Francisco Trincao.
In truth, when the players went in at half-time, it should have been 4-5 for the home side. Villa were all over the place as their season of inconsistency continued.
The home side looked on top again in the second half but as the half progressed, Villa started to get control of the game without looking any real threat.
Well, that was until Ollie Watkins probably should have scored. The England striker got behind Boly and Conor Coady to find himself one on one out on the left but his curled effort went the wrong side of the post.
Four minutes from time, Villa were handed a lifeline when Watkins was brought down in the penalty area. Despite their protests, Wolves could have no real complaints.
Watkins stepped up and slotted the ball off the post and into the net to make it 2-1.
Villa had a late chance through Matty Cash but Jose Sa was able to stay strong and deny the Poland right-back.
In truth, Villa deserved exactly what they got from the game, nothing. Back to the drawing board for Gerrard as next up is Tottenham at Villa Park.
Villa Park, Birmingham
Saturday, 9th April – 17.30 (GMT)