Aston Villa vs Wolverhampton Wanderers LIVE: Premier League result, final score and reaction

Wolves have now scored five first-half goals in as many Premier League games, and only Manchester City (eight) have managed more thus far. However, holding onto a lead has been beyond them, and Aston Villa are sure to improve after such a sub-par first-half performance. It's certainly set up beautifully for an intriguing second half.

A textbook counter-attacking performance from Wolves sees the away side leading Aston Villa 1-0 at half-time, and it is an advantage that their efforts merit. Despite having much less of the ball, the Wolverhampton side have committed to defending resolutely and then raiding forward when the chance arises to break, and when presented the chance to strike by a Diego Carlos mistake midway through the half, Cunha pounced. His clinical finish was not the only opportunity the visitors carved out at Villa Park, as Ait-Nouri also came close, and their xG stands at 0.5 to the hosts' meagre 0.08. It seems to be a classic case of Champions League hangover for the Villans, but can they respond like last weekend and turn this game around after the break?

HALF-TIME: ASTON VILLA 0-1 WOLVES

As the action peters out in midfield, McGinn heads towards the touchline, so Aston Villa may be without their Scottish skipper for the second half. There will be some big decisions for Emery to make during the interval.

The game is paused while McGinn receives treatment for what seems to be a minor injury, while both sets of supporters trade insults. This first half really has felt like a true local rivalry, and so far Wolves are deservedly coming out on top.

After a number of early stoppages and a total of four bookings, there will be at least five additional minutes played at the end of this all-action first half.

Wolves are on top as the first half draws to a close, with Villa Park falling into near silence as Dawson sees a header cleared away from the hosts' six-yard box. The home fans are tense, perhaps sensing that their team could soon be trailing by two.

On the break, Strand Larsen is sent clear into the area, but as he slows to shoot from just inside the box, Diego Carlos narrows his angle and the striker shoots straight at Martinez. Villa's number one has been by far the busier goalkeeper so far.

Villa have not had a shot on target so far in this match, so surely Emery will be contemplating half-time changes. Not necessarily in terms of personnel, but attacking approach or perhaps even formation.

Left with little support near the right byline, Onana does well to earn Aston Villa a corner. Perhaps set-piece situations could unlock Wolves' stubborn defence, as they are not making much headway through open play.