Nick Parkes reports on Wolves win at The Vitality Stadium against Bournemouth in the Premier League.
More than just 3 points!
It was a huge afternoon in the quest for survival as Wolves picked up 3 crucial points at Dean Court and with others below us all losing, Wolves now sit 5 points clear of the dreaded relegation zone. And once again it was our Brazilian Surfer Cunha whose goal won us the game.
TEAM
Vitor Pereira made a few changes from the narrow defeat against leaders Liverpool as Sarabia, Guedes, and Agbadou were replaced by Bueno, Bellegarde, and Munetsi (who made his first Premier League start).
Sa, Doherty, Bueno, Toti, Semedo, Andre, J.Gomes, Ait-Nouri, Bellegarde, Cunha, Munetsi
first half
Bournemouth came into this game 13 unbeaten and on the cusp of Champions League football and they applied the pressure early on as Wolves struggled with their fast-paced football. The only player who started the game well was ‘keeper’ Sa as he was called into action several times in the opening 10 minutes. A couple of smart saves prevented the home team from taking the lead. Santi Bueno also picked up a booking after a lazy tackle on a Bournemouth attacker. Wolves did weather the storm however and had the best chance of the game so far as Semedo cut inside from the right and managed to get a good shot off but only for it to bounce back off the post, the ball then found Bellegarde whose quick shot was then excellently saved by the keeper.
From then on the game became even with Bournemouth attacking in numbers but Wolves breaking the midfield line and finding space to also cause problems. Cunha had an effort very similar to his Liverpool goal saved by Kepa and from a free kick on our left Toti headed just over. Another good save by Sa on the 15 minute mark as he used his body to rush out and block a shot.
One of the game’s biggest moments came on the half hour mark as Bournemouth was reduced to 10 men. Central defender Zabarnyi, despite touching the ball first, caught Ait-Nouri flush above the ankle and although the defenders eyes were solely for the ball. The referee initially gave a yellow card but after being sent to the monitor returned to give him a straight red. Rayan was quick to his feet but if his foot was planted on the ground, it could have caused a major injury. Not for the first time (nor last), the home fans were furious with the decision but upon review they can’t have any complaints.
It was a 5 minute spell that massively shifted the momentum of the game as Wolves went on to break the deadlock shortly after. Cunha picked the ball up deep in Bournemouth’s house, and a bit of interchange between Semedo and Gomes, the former then whipped in a cross into the box. The defenders fluffed their lines and the ball came off Munetsi and fell very kindly to Cunha who made no mistakes and fired the ball into the roof of the net. Another rendition of the Surfer was on display, much to the joy of players and fans alike.
Wolves went into the break 1-0 up and 1 man up and after a poor start, Wolves grew into the game and caused a fair amount of issues to the Bournemouth goal.
second half
Vitor made one change at half time as already booked Gomes was replaced by the returning Strand Larsen. After the incident against Arsenal, the manager learnt his lesson and replaced the feisty midfielder. Munetsi dropped into midfield.
Wolves started the second half on the front foot with Larsen quickly getting into the thick of it but his run and shot was blocked and out for a corner. Bellegarde, who had another very good game, worked his magic and strength in a more central position in the second 45. Semedo also had a fizzing shot down our right, saved by Kepa.
The theme of the second half was Bournemouth did have slightly more possession but Wolves stood very resolute and didn’t allow them any real opportunities, we were compact and strong in challenges. Andre was magnificent throughout the game, his intelligence and positioning stopped any real chances or breakaways quickly. He plays in a position which is rarely talked about but he goes about his work extremely efficiently and quietly but his performance was crucial in Wolves picking up 3 points. His passion and fight was evident when he out-muscled an attacker to let the ball go out of play. He flexed his muscles and roared, much to the delight of the traveling fans.
Just after the hour mark Munetsi had a glorious chance to put Wolves 2-0 up and probably out of sight. A great ball in the box found the new signing about 5 yards out and if he hit the target it was a goal. Unfortunately for us, he didn’t and his effort went wide of the post.
Pereira made several changes through the second half with Djiga making his debut replacing Bueno who was on a yellow card. There was a slight issue getting Djiga due to him not being 100% ready but he made his way on eventually. Lima, Sarabia, and Doyle also came on.
Wolves was really impressive in restricting a very dangerous Bournemouth team and despite a lot of nerves late on, they never caused us any issues and only had 1 shot in the second 45.
It was a really professional job from Wolves who racked up another clean sheet. Solid, resolute, compact were three words to describe our performance and as the ref called time on the game and after a huge sigh of relief from all fans, Wolves celebrated a vital 3 points. Still work to be done in ensuring our safety but a big step in the right direction.
post match thoughts
A fighting away performance against a very good team and although they had 10 men for a large part of the game, they still caused us issues but we managed to keep their key players very quiet and this is a credit to the defence. A complete 180 from the defence which was leaking goals for fun under O’Neil. The recent return of Toti has been huge, and despite losing Agbadou, Bueno stepped up to help protect the clean sheet. All the defence and Sa played very well and so did Bellegarde who in recent weeks has looked like a different player. But one player stood out above the rest, our silent assassin, Andre. He was immense and put a stopper to almost everything.
A massive 3 points and confidence is growing. On to Fulham at home on Tuesday and with another performance like today there is no reason we can’t get something out of that game also. Still a lot to do but things are pointing in the right direction.
ARTICLE BY NICK PARKES
Hi, I’m Nick! Born in Wolverhampton and currently living in Barcelona. I’ve been a Wolves fan since birth (dad’s choice) and was a north bank season ticket holder in my younger days. My favourite all-time player, Bully!
I’m an English teacher by trade and when I’m not scolding teenagers in the class, I’m either running, gardening or watching cricket!