Chirewa makes appearance for Wolves

ZIMBABWE International Tawanda Chirewa made a second half appearance for Wolves at Villa Park, but he could not help the team salvage something in the 1-0 defeat.

Chirewa, who often does not get game time, replaced Jean-Ricner Bellegarde in the 69th minute as Wolves tried to get an equaliser.

It was just moments after Boubacar Kamara’s stunner gave Aston Villa the lead in a gritty derby win over Chirewa and Marshall Munetsi team.

Munetsi was an unused substitute.

Kamara’s strike, which was a big blow for the two Zimbabweans as they need as much confidence as they can get before the AFCON finals in Morocco, extended Aston Villa run to five straight wins in all competitions and settled a tight battle.

Defeat kept the visitors win-less and bottom of the Premier League — nine points from the safety line —with boss Rob Edwards looking to pull off a remarkable escape.

Yet, despite their desperate position, the visitors threatened often and Jorgen Strand Larsen’s first-half goal was disallowed, with Jhon Arias in an offside position and obstructing Emi Martinez, before the striker tested the goalkeeper.

Martinez turned Yerson Mosquera’s header on to the bar before the break, while the Villa goalkeeper also stopped Jean-Ricner Bellegarde’s low drive after the restart.

Having survived their scares, Villa then struck with 23 minutes left when Kamara drilled into the top corner from the edge of the area.

It was not a classic performance from Unai Emery’s Aston Villa.

They struggled to create serious openings and again relied on the spectacular to get them over the line.

They have scored 56 percent of their Premier League goals (nine out of 16) from outside the box this season, an eye-catching stat which could cause problems.

It is one which could ultimately undermine them in the long run if and when the goals dry up.

It was another blank from Ollie Watkins, after he was dropped and came off the bench, and while Donyell Malen has eight in his last 14 for club and country Villa do not have a reliable goalscorer.

Yet they are third in the Premier League, belying the stats which have them second bottom of Opta’s “expected” table.

Emery remains Villa’s biggest weapon, his ability to eke out every last drop from his side was evident again on Sunday and Villa fans will not care where the goals come from.

They are riding high and only the result matters. — Zimpapers Sports Hub/ BBC Sport.