Villa approached the west midlands derby having only won one of its past four Premier League games, ceding momentum to Manchester United, Chelsea and Liverpool in the battle for UEFA Champions League qualification.

Things got worse for Villa as it suffered a deserved defeat against Rob Edwards's men, who can now no longer break Derby County's record for the fewest points earned in a Premier League season – 11 in 2007-2008 –  after moving to 13 with this win.

Villa had the best chances of the first half, even if Wolves' general play was more impressive. Pau Torres sent a poor header wide, and after Toti Gomes volleyed off-target, Douglas Luiz tested Jose Sa from Matty Cash's cross.

But Wolves took the lead via a well-worked goal in the 61st minute, with Joao Gomes lashing off the underside of the crossbar after Adam Armstrong redirected Jackson Tchatchoua's pass into his path.

Villa threw men forward in search of an equaliser, but its best opportunity saw Amadou Onana denied by a superb goal-line block from Yerson Mosquera, and it was then caught out on the counter-attack.

After Mateus Mane released Joao Gomes into the area in the 98th minute, the Brazilian's effort ricocheted off Rogers and fell to Rodrigo Gomes, who finished on the turn.

Villa remains third on the Premier League table but could be overtaken by Manchester United this weekend, while Wolves are 14 points adrift of Nottingham Forest in 17th.

"It was a very good performance, every player did well," Wolves goalkeeper Jose Sa said. "We have a lot of character, we will keep fighting game-by-game and see what happens.

"A clean sheet is very good for everyone, we defended well, not just the defence but the whole team."

When asked how it felt to get a west midlands derby victory, Wolves boss Edwards said: "Elation, relief! I know how big a game this is for us and our supporters.

"It's a Midlands derby, and we take pride in it. When the final goal went in, it was the final nail in the coffin, and I could enjoy the final 20 seconds.

"Villa are such a good team with loads of individual talent and quality, so you have to do your job. In transitional moments, we needed to be clean, go for it or stay behind.

"In defence, there was a great desire to keep the ball out of the net."

Asked about Derby's all-time low for Premier League points, which Southampton came close to matching last season, Edwards added: "It's been hanging over our heads.

"It's not something I've focused on. To do it in this game, with everyone watching, was important; it keeps us moving in the right direction."

Villa boss Unai Emery was quick to head down the tunnel after the defeat, and Edwards admitted he had not seen his counterpart after the final whistle.

"Not yet, I get it. The two games we won, both managers had disappeared," he said.

"They probably think they can turn up and win, given how the season has gone! I've got a lot of respect for Unai, I think he's brilliant, so it's fine."