As a result, they finished the weekend in a fascinating position in the table, seven points both from sixth-placed Liverpool and from the relegation zone.
Though it’ll likely be the last thing on his mind approaching the second of five competitive fixtures in 21 days, Emery has a score to settle with Villa’s next opponent, having failed to conquer Wolves in three attempts as Arsenal boss (D2, L1).
As an interesting albeit perhaps inconsequential subplot, his personal record against compatriot and new Wolves leader Julen Lopetegui (W1, D2, L2) is also far from glowing!
Wolves’ misfortunes have persisted despite their own change of manager, most recently illustrated by a 1-0 loss to Manchester United - their fourth consecutive PL home defeat - that saw them finish the weekend in the relegation zone.
Lopetegui has signalled Wolves will be active in their search for new recruits in January, with reports circling around former Sevilla midfielder Isco after already loaning Matheus Cunha from Atlético Madrid.
After good performances at Everton (W 2-1) and Brentford (D 1-1) in their last two PL away trips, hitting the road again may be just what they need in order to recover from their worst 17-game start to a PL season of the last decade, particularly if they view the highlights of last season’s 3-2 win at Villa Park on the trip to the stadium!
Players to watch: Leon Bailey opened the scoring within ten minutes in Villa’s last two home PL wins. For the visitors, Rúben Neves stated that his team “can do better” after their loss to United, and with Wolves taking points in ten of his last 11 PL goalscoring appearances (W7, D3, L1), his contribution could be required here.
Hot streak: The last 12 PL H2Hs have all been either drawn or decided by a one-goal margin.
