Aston Villa 1-1 Wolverhampton Wanderers: Danny Ings denies Wolves in West Midlands derby

Substitute Danny Ings’ late equaliser earned Aston Villa a point and denied Wolves an important Premier League victory in their West Midlands derby at Villa Park.

Podence ensured the visitors capitalised on their purposeful start as the Portuguese forward weaved past Douglas Luiz before curling a 12th-minute opener beyond World Cup-winning goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez.

Making his first appearance since lifting the World Cup with Argentina last month, Golden Glove winner Martinez was called upon to deny Matheus Nunes at close range as the visitors continued to offer the greater threat.

The hosts eventually sparked into action in the final 20 minutes, with Max Kilman heading Ludwig Augustinsson’s shot off the line before Ings’ leveller.

But despite relentless pressure they were unable to force a late winner and an emotional Leon Bailey had to be consoled by his team-mates at the full-time whistle after he missed a late chance, shooting wide from an angle after rounding Sa in stoppage time.

“It’s a huge chance. He was crying but it is good,” Villa manager Unai Emery, speaking to BBC Sport, said on Bailey’s chance.

“If he is crying it is because he was feeling, and to feel moments like that and to have the responsibility is good. I want to help them to take responsibility and do their best.”

Wolves remain in the relegation places, one point from safety, while Villa climb one place to 11th.

Bailey left in tears as Emery and Lopetegui share the points again

This was the second time in two different league competitions this season that Emery and Julen Lopetegui had shared the touchline, as the two Spaniards became the first managers to meet in both La Liga and the Premier League in the same season.

The first encounter, in Spain’s top-flight in September, saw Emery’s Villarreal come back to earn a 1-1 draw against Sevilla.

Once again, although this time in the West Midlands, Lopetegui saw his side denied victory, one which would have lifted Wolves out of the relegation places.

Wolves’ shortcomings in attack have been key to their early season struggles – they remain the league’s lowest scorers with 11 goals in 18 games – but a rare moment of quality from Podence ensured their encouraging start did not go unrewarded.

Ezri Konsa had already cleared Nathan Collins’ goal-bound header off the line by that point, while only Martinez’s quick reactions prevented Nunes extending the advantage.

Villa have looked well-organised in defence and dynamic in attack so far under Emery but they struggled to maintain momentum from Sunday’s impressive 2-0 away win at Tottenham against a highly-motivated Wolves.

Despite an encouraging start to life under Emery there were signs of frustration among the home support with the hosts second-best for large periods in the first half, and the half-time whistle was greeted with some boos.

But Wolves retreated following the break and Bailey, Cash, Buendia and Augustinsson all had efforts repelled amid a flurry of chances before Ings’ finish had Villa Park expecting a late winner.

Undoubtedly the greatest chance to win the match fell to Bailey, who was evidently still reliving his 94th-minute miss as he sunk to the ground at full-time.

The Jamaican winger later posted on his Instagram: “I am really sorry Villans. I feel at blame for [us] not coming away with all three points tonight.”

Bailey added: “It’s really hard to take and I’m very disappointed in myself. Surely [it] will be very difficult to sleep tonight but I’ll try to keep my head up.”

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