Diaby steers Aston Villa to victory with superb strike against Wolves in EPL

Aston Villa's scorer Ezri Konsa, front, and his teammates celebrate... — Aston Villa's scorer Ezri Konsa, front, and his teammates celebrate their side's second goal during the English Premier League soccer match between Aston Villa and Wolverhampton Wanderers in Birmingham, England, Saturday, March 30, 2024. Credit: AP/Bradley Collyer

By The Associated PressMarch 30, 2024

BIRMINGHAM, England — Fourth-placed Aston Villa kept its three-point lead over Tottenham in their battle for Champions League soccer next season with a 2-0 win over Wolverhampton in the English Premier League on Saturday.

Tottenham put the pressure on earlier by briefly going above Villa in the standings after defeating Luton.

But the Birmingham side did not flinch at Villa Park and took three points in the Midlands derby.

Moussa Diaby scored his first league goal in 2024 with a superb strike and also delivered an assist for Ezri Konsa. Diaby unleashed a powerful shot from the edge of the box to end his scoring drought.

Konsa's goal looked unintended as his miscued cross ended in the back of the net at the far post.

“Happy days," Konsa said. “Whether it was a cross or I meant it, it is still a goal!"

Aston Villa is trying to qualify for the Champions League for the first time.