´It´s been hanging over our heads´ – Edwards thrilled as Wolves surpass Derby´s points record

Rob Edwards admitted Derby County’s infamous points record has been “hanging over our heads”, but he was elated after guiding Wolves to their second Premier League win of the season against Aston Villa.

The division’s bottom side stunned third-placed Villa with a 2-0 victory, with second-half goals from Joao Gomes and Rodrigo Gomes getting them over the line.

And it was a vital three points as it means that Wolves can no longer break Derby’s record for the fewest points earned in a Premier League season (11 in 2007-08, Wolves now have 13).

After an 11-match winless run at home in the league between May and December 2025, which saw them pick up just two points (D2 L9), Wolves have since avoided defeat in four of their last six in the competition, picking up eight points (W2 D2 L2).

When asked how it felt to get a West Midlands derby victory, Edwards told BBC Match of the Day: “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.”

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Unai Emery was quick to head down the tunnel after the defeat dealt a blow to Villa’s hopes of qualifying for the Champions League, 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.”

Wolves scored with both of their shots on target, with Rodrigo Gomes clinching the win in the 98th minute, just moments after Yerson Mosquera had made a stunning goal-line block to deny Amadou Onana an equaliser at the other end.

“I think it was very good from every player. The fans deserve it too,” Jose Sa told Sky Sports.

“I know it’s very important to them because it’s a derby. We give them this win. We have a lot of character. We will keep fighting and take it game by game.”