Ten-man Wolves earn precious derby point against Aston Villa
In the battle of the two Midlands clubs, it was the visitors who started the brightest out of the two sides.
Wing-back Matty Cash forced José Sá into early action after latching onto John McGinn’s deep cross to the back post.
McGinn, buoyed by his late winner against HŠK Zrinjski Mostar in midweek, showcased his confidence with a long-range effort that fizzed just wide to the relief of the home faithful.
Wolves, who stunned European champions Manchester City last weekend, had to wait until the 34th minute for their first meaningful chance of the contest when Rayan Aït-Nouri swept the ball past the far post from Hwang Hee-chan’s low cross.
With neither side able to break the deadlock in the first period, Wolves went into HT on level terms for the fifth time in the PL this season.
Villa attempted to catch their hosts off guard after the restart, with Ollie Watkins drawing a fingertip save from Sá.
As it proved, it was the home side who drew first blood courtesy of Hwang’s fifth PL goal of the season.
Pedro Neto picked up the ball on the right flank, before driving to the byline and picking out the near-post run of the South Korea international, who tapped in from close range.
The Villans were not behind for long, though, as Pau Torres guided the ball home from Watkins’ curled delivery to register his first Villa goal.
With the game there to be won, Wolves substitute Saša Kalajdžić nearly made the difference when his inch-perfect pass found Neto, but the Portuguese winger failed to keep his composure and blazed harmlessly over the crossbar.
Hopes of a win quickly turned to protecting the draw when Mario Lemina was given his marching orders in stoppage time.
The hosts required some desperate defending to collect a point and move up to 14th spot, while Unai Emery’s charges head into the international break in fifth position.
Flashscore Man of the Match: Pau Torres (Aston Villa)
