COMING UP...

A mission to qualify for Europe We’re not being naive but we in top four

1958-59 England had two teams in the European Cup. Manchester United were there by invitation. Wolves represented as champions. Lost 4-3 on aggregate to Schalke in the first round. 1959-60 As champions, back in the European Cup, but crushed 4-0 and 5-2 over two legs by Barcelona in the quarter-finals. 1960-61 Cup Winners Cup where they were beaten in the semi-finals by Rangers, 3-1 on aggregate.

1971-72 UEFA Cup finalists but denied by rivals Spurs 3-2 on aggregate.

1973-74 Second-round UEFA Cup exit by Lokomotiv Leipzig on away goals. 1974-75 Early UEFA Cup exit by Porto in the first round. 1980-81 Dismissed in the UEFA Cup first round by PSV Eindhoven, 3-2.

2019-20 Europa League 1-1 away draw at Olympiakos, means they go for a quarterfinal place in early August. of.” Wolves have a 100 per cent record against the bottom four this term and have taken 29 points from a possible 36 against the bottom six.

It has healed their Achilles heel from last season when even Huddersfield, who finished last with only 16 points, beat Wolves twice.

“It is a new ruthlessness within us,” added Doherty. “We realise it cost us a lot of points last season.

“We knew if we were able to improve on that stat against the socalled lower-half teams that it would make a big difference and it has been proven.”

Despite a tight first half, Wolves always looked a class above 19thplaced Villa and their prospects improved once danger-man Adama Traore was introduced.

Leander Dendoncker made the breakthrough in the 62nd minute with a low shot from the edge of the box.

Villa (dejected defender Tyrone Mings, left) were poor in attack and only had one effort on target all game as they failed to stretch keeper Rui Patricio.

Doherty said: “Clean sheets are very satisfying – particularly when I have got myself in my fantasy team and Rui in goal.

“You keep clean sheets, you are going to win the majority of games, especially with our attacking players and our attacking way of playing.”

LEANDER DENDONCKER

ASTON VILLA

Sunday Liverpool (away) ......... PL July 9 Man United (home) ..... PL July 12 Palace (home) ............. PL

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