Wolverhampton Wanderers claimed just their second Premier League win of the season and avoided matching Derby County’s record-low top-flight points tally with a 2-0 victory over Aston Villa at Molineux, dealing a blow to the visitors’ top-four ambitions.

Despite driving rain, Villa made a bright start as they chased only a second win in nine league visits to Molineux. They carved out several half-chances, the best seeing Douglas Luiz volley straight at José Sá, while Toti Gomes fired wide at the other end. Morgan Rogers also tested the Wolves goalkeeper, but the contest grew increasingly scrappy before half-time, with the hosts extending their run without a league goal to nine matches as they trudged into the dressing room.

Wolves emerged much improved after the break and capitalised on a lapse in concentration from Villa to take a surprise lead on the hour. Adam Armstrong attempted to bring down a cross from Jackson Tchatchoua but inadvertently diverted it into the path of João Gomes, who thundered a shot in off the underside of the crossbar.

Villa responded by reasserting control, and Ian Maatsen came close to equalising when he struck powerfully at Sá from close range. Yet Wolves defended resolutely and continued to threaten on the counter.

In the dying seconds, Tammy Abraham saw his effort cleared off the line by Yerson Mosquera, preserving the hosts’ slender advantage. With virtually the final kick of the match, Wolves broke forward once more and Rodrigo Gomes turned home from the centre of the area to seal the result.

The win trims Wolves’ gap to safety to 14 points, though survival remains a distant prospect given their rivals hold two games in hand. Villa, meanwhile, risk surrendering third place this weekend and face mounting pressure ahead of key fixtures against Manchester United and Chelsea in the weeks to come.