Wolves made it three successive wins since the Premier League restarts thanks to a 1-0 win over Midlands rivals Aston Villa.

Leander Dendoncker scored the only goal of the game just past the hour mark as Wolves continued their push for a Champions League position, while Aston Villa remain in the drop zone on goal difference.

The first opening of the game came for the visitors with Raul Jimenez looking to find Leander Dendoncker but Villa keeper Orjan Nyland was off his line quickly to reach the ball ahead of the Belgian.

Wolves first chance of the game after Jack Grealish was fouled yet again, Conor Hourihane floated the free kick towards the box and it was met by Kortney Hause but his header was way off target.

The home side also lost full back Matt Targett less than ten minutes in with the former Southampton man being replaced by the experienced Neil Taylor.

Hause had another opportunity moments later, again from a set piece as he connected a header from Grealish’s corner but he was once again well off target to cause Wolves any problems.

Diogo Jota was fouled just outside the box by Tyrone Mings, Joao Moutinho sent a delicious ball into the box which was met by Raul Jimenez but Nyland was there to make a comfortable save.

Just before the drinks break, Matt Doherty worked his way into the box but the Irishman fired his shot straight into the side netting, where he could have squared it to Jota in the box.

Jimenez then came out of tackle with Marvelous Nakamba before sending in a cross from the right flank but it was just out of the reach of the onrushing Jota at the back post.

A mistake from Wolves’ captain Conor Coady nearly gave Villa an opening but Willy Boly was on hand to clear the danger.

Just before the break, the away side were given a great chance as Villa keeper Nyland threw the ball straight into the path of Jota but the forward was unable to capitalise on the error, sending his effort way off target as the sides went to the break level.

Early into the second half, Hourihane sent a free kick towards the back post in the direction of Mings but the England man was unable to reach it before Rui Patricio who punched it clear.

Boly made a mistake in the Wolves’ box as he tried to play it long, it fell to Mbwana Samatta but he was unable to cause the visitors any problems after being crowded out, moments before Adama Traore was introduced.

It took less than two minutes for Traore’s introduction to make a difference. He showed strength to work it past a couple of players before finding Jimenez, who sent a ball towards Jonny in the box who found Dendoncker just outside the box who sent a brilliant strike low into the bottom corner beyond a helpless Nylan.

Traore was involved once more, using his pace well, charging down a ball which was blocked out for a corner which was hit just wide by goalscorer Dendoncker.

Hause was involved in the box once again from a set piece, this time he was on the end of Grealish’s free kick but the central defender was unable to direct his header goalwards.

Substitute John McGinn looked to add some creativity the Villa attack once introduced and he did so, sending a great ball into the box but Samatta headed over the top.

The away side played out the final few moments well, limiting Dean Smith’s side to very few opportunities as they saw out a 1-0 victory at Villa Park.

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