Wolves Boss Edwards Relieved as Side Escapes Premier League Infamy
Wolverhampton Wanderers manager Rob Edwards has expressed his understanding of the significance of his team moving beyond Derby County's record-low Premier League points tally following a hard-fought 2-0 victory over Aston Villa at Molineux. The win, secured through second-half goals from Joao Gomes and Rodrigo Gomes, marked only the second triumph in twenty-nine league matches this season, but it was enough to lift Wolves to thirteen points, surpassing the meagre eleven points posted by Derby in the 2007/08 campaign.
A Weight Lifted from Shoulders
For much of a challenging season, it had appeared that Wolves might struggle to match or even exceed that infamous benchmark. Edwards acknowledged that while avoiding the tag of the worst-ever Premier League team was not his primary focus, its importance to supporters and the club was undeniable. "It does mean a lot," Edwards stated. "You don't want that tag. Clearly we don't. No one wants that. It's not something that's been weighing me down or I've been thinking about too much, but if that releases a little bit more tension, then great. I know it's important to the supporters and to the football club."
Emotional Touchline Celebration
The match itself provided a rare moment of joy in a difficult campaign. Wolves opened the scoring with their first shot on target as Joao Gomes thrashed the ball home. The victory was sealed in dramatic fashion when Rodrigo Gomes netted a last-gasp second goal, sparking mass celebrations among the home faithful. Edwards himself sprinted down the touchline in an outpouring of emotion, later describing it as a "special moment in a really difficult season." He added, "It's nice to be able to show some emotion and build that connection. That's why I came here. Nights like that. Really special moments, and that's a moment that will live with me forever."
Villa's Frustration and Emery's Perspective
In stark contrast, Aston Villa manager Unai Emery did not share in the celebrations. He stormed straight down the tunnel when the second goal went in and was not present to shake Edwards' hand at full-time, a reaction Edwards noted has occurred in both of Wolves' league wins this season. "I get it," Edwards said. "The two games that we have won in the league this year, both managers have disappeared. I think everyone expects just to turn up and win, which is understandable the way the season's gone."
Emery was visibly unhappy with his side's dire performance, which dealt a blow to their Champions League qualification hopes. Villa have now won just one of their last five games, causing them to look over their shoulders at the chasing pack. However, Emery called for perspective, reminding everyone of the club's overall progress. "We are doing a great season, a great season," he insisted. "This is the moment I want to tell our supporters, now we need the supporters. We need the energy. The season is being fantastic, and we can remind ourselves now how we were in September, how we are now. Maybe now we are a little worse than two months ago. We are losing the opportunity to compete for the title, but some can feel frustrated, even myself because I have my dreams."
This result not only provides a crucial morale boost for Wolves as they seek to climb the table but also underscores the intense pressures and emotional highs and lows inherent in top-flight football management.
