Bournemouth0 - 1Wolves

The Cherries came into their clash against Wolves full of confidence after bouncing back from their defeat against Liverpool with a 3-1 win over Southampton, though they knew they were in for a tough afternoon when centre-back Illya Zabarnyi was sent off with just over half an hour on the clock.

To make matters worse for the Cherries, Matheus Cunha put the visitors ahead just five minutes later when a defensive error led to the Brazilian having enough time in the box to pick out a fine finish from close range.

A goal up with a man advantage, Vitor Pereira's relegation contenders made it to half time with their slim lead in tact, knowing that a win could take them five points clear of Ipswich Town in the relegation zone.

That being said, Wolves did not rest on their laurels in the second period and instead went on the hunt for another goal, forcing their hosts onto the backfoot and preventing them from mustering any real threat.

SPORTS MOLE'S VERDICT

Bournemouth have enjoyed an exceptional season so far, and thanks to their record of eight wins, four draws and just one loss in the Premier League since November, they started this weekend in fifth place, just one point behind Manchester City.

However, their loss this weekend in a clash that they would have earmarked as a likely source of points will be disheartening, and could significantly impact their dreams of Champions League football next season if City or Nottingham Forest can win their own matches.

Additionally, the Cherries have now lost back-to-back home games in the league for the first time since October 2023, and they will be desperate to take revenge when this fixture is repeated in the FA Cup at the start of March.

As for Pereira's Wolves, Saturday's victory was only their second of 2025, and provided a huge boost by taking them five points clear of the drop after Ipswich were beaten by Tottenham Hotspur.

Going forward, the visitors will need to find some consistency if they are to have real security in the top flight, especially considering that the teams directly above them - West Ham, Manchester United and Everton - are all at least eight points in front.

BOURNEMOUTH VS. WOLVERHAMPTON WANDERERS HIGHLIGHTS

31st min: Illya Zabarnyi (Bournemouth) red card

The centre-back slides in but his foot goes over the ball and catches Rayan Ait Nouri high with the studs up.

The referee initially gives a yellow card but after a VAR intervention it is upgraded to a red - Bournemouth are down to 10!

Matheus Cunha goal vs. Bournemouth (36th min, Bournemouth 0-1 Wolverhampton Wanderers)

Marshall Munetsi crosses the ball into the box from the right hand side but it is missed by the Bournemouth defenders and falls to Cunha, who puts the ball high into the net from close range.

Wolves immediately press home their advantage!

96th min: Pedro Lima (Wolverhampton Wanderers) free kick

In a clever move to deny Bournemouth any last-second opportunities, the Wolves right-back earns a free kick in his own half that should see his side take all three points!

MAN OF THE MATCH - MATHEUS CUNHA

Matheus Cunha has been a standout player in a season that has been a tough watch at times for Wolves fans, and he followed up his excellent goal against Liverpool with the match winner on Saturday.

The versatile forward was a constant outlet for his side, and his dribbling, battling and link-up play were vital for securing an important three points.

BOURNEMOUTH VS. WOLVERHAMPTON WANDERERS MATCH STATS

Possession: Bournemouth 45%-55% Wolverhampton Wanderers

Shots: Bournemouth 8-13 Wolverhampton Wanderers

Shots on target: Bournemouth 3-5 Wolverhampton Wanderers

Corners: Bournemouth 6-7 Wolverhampton Wanderers

Fouls: Bournemouth 17-9 Wolverhampton Wanderers

BEST STATS

WHAT NEXT?

Up next for Bournemouth is a trip to the south coast to take on Brighton and Hove Albion, while Wolves will play host to Fulham on February 25 and will be looking to build on their performance against the Cherries.

Written by

Anthony Nolan