The controversy overflowed from the field to the press, with Aston Villa manager Unai Emery commenting on Molineux and Wolves manager Gary O’Neil criticizing John McGinn.
Unai Emery believes the Molineux crowd hampered his side as Aston Villa were held to a 1-1 draw by local rivals Wolverhampton Wanderers on Sunday.
From start to end, it was a tense game, aided by both sets of supporters, as the furious and aggressive hosts prevented the visitors from playing their customary free-flowing football.
As a result of having to interrupt play for numerous fouls, referee Rob Jones was one of the busiest men on the field, and neither team gained much momentum.
The stop-start nature of the game undoubtedly favored Wolves and helped keep Molineux lively, as Emery was quick to point out to the reporters.
“It’s a derby, and I believe we felt it on the field.” There are many Aston Villa fans among us. “There was a fantastic atmosphere,” stated the head coach.
“On the field, maybe in 90 minutes, we felt this derby, and we felt at times that the match was not going very well.” We attempted to concentrate, stick to our game plan, and win.
“Of course, we were very focused on not letting them score first because scoring here first gave them a lot of confidence.” It is tough to return the outcome here [Molineux].
“We reacted quickly, and I believe that was the key.” “We created more chances and went into the box than them in 90 minutes,” Emery continued.
Villa came on as Wolves were reduced to ten men after Mario Lemina received his second booking. It shifted the momentum, and opportunities flowed in.
Nicolo Zaniolo and Ezra Konsa came close, while Ollie Watkins was denied by the woodwork with a last-gasp winner.
However, Wolves manager Gary O’Neil believes the visitors were fortunate to have all 11 players available at the end of the game, singling out Villa captain John McGinn.
On the day, the Scotsman was notably active in duels both in and out of possession, and he received a booking, putting him on thin ice throughout.
O’Neil questioned whether McGinn was fortunate not to get sent off, blaming his actions on skirmishes with Wanderers defender Craig Dawson.
“At times, John McGinn appeared to be on the verge of receiving another yellow card.” But I understand that the referee was doing his best.
“It’s just a disappointment that we conceded against a side that didn’t want to come out and press,” O’Neil said as he swiped at Wolves’ opponents.
Both teams will have something to think about over the international break, but the intense match ended with a reluctant exchange of points.
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