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

Substitution Fábio Daniel Soares Silva Francisco Jorge Tavares Oliveira

Hamstrung by the early enforced substitution, Gerrard still has a number of attacking options available from the bench in order to flip the script. Buendia’s creativity and Traore’s direct nature of play could help create additional chances in front of goal for Villa, while Douglas Luiz’s passing and presence in midfield could help curb Wolves’ counter-attacks. For the hosts, they’ll be looking to hold onto what they have with Saiss, Ait Nouri and Semedo available to help add legs at wing-back and protect the lead.

The first half at Molineux comes to a close with the hosts comfortably ahead by a deserved 2-0 score. An eager and intent start from both sides lasted just seven minutes, until mistakes and poor footing at the back allowed Wolves a chance to commit numbers forward - eventually finishing the move with a cool Jonny volley. The Villains failed to respond cohesively after going a goal behind, registering just one shot on target in the ensuing 35 minutes; a long-range hit from Bailey that was saved well by Sa. Things went from bad to worse for the visitors less than 10 minutes from time, when Marcal’s cross from the right was steered past Martinez by Young - who had only come on as a substitute for Digne 23 minutes earlier. It was an opening frame in which little wet right for Gerrard’s side - something he’ll be hoping to overturn in the second.

HALF-TIME: WOLVES 2-0 ASTON VILLA.

The fourth official indicates five minutes will be added to the end of the half for stoppages.

Moutinho takes a Wolves corner from the right deep into the penalty area for Dendoncker, who can only pop a header straight up and into the arms of Martinez.

Penalty Goal Ollie Watkins

GREAT TACKLE! Young makes up for his earlier mistake with a goal-saving tackle in the penalty area, diving in to dispossess Silva just ahead of Martinez!

Podence is down holding his face after receiving a blow to the mouth during a battle with Cash for a loose ball in midfield. The Wolves forward did appear to receive a blow but it certainly wasn’t intentional as Cash escapes a booking.

Gerrard will be desperate to get his side in the locker room at half time, with this opening 45 minutes certainly a period to forget. His side have simply not tested Sa enough - forcing him into just one save while struggling to create in and around the penalty area.