Wolverhampton Wanderers secured a hard-fought victory against AFC Bournemouth on Saturday, February 22, 2025, at the Vitality Stadium, with Matheus Cunha scoring the decisive goal just minutes after the Cherries were reduced to ten men.
The match marked another significant step for Wolves as they aim to climb out of the Premier League relegation zone, earning them their sixth win of the season. Despite facing one of the league's form teams, Wolves displayed resilience and tactical prowess, capitalizing on their advantage following the red card shown to Bournemouth's Illia Zabarnyi.
Both teams entered the match with contrasting fortunes. Bournemouth, flying high on the league table and dreaming of European football, had lost just once in their last 15 games. Manager Andoni Iraola's side was riding the wave of momentum, having topped off a stunning season so far with thrilling performances. Meanwhile, Wolves struggled with consistency, trailing just above the relegation zone and desperate for points.
The match itself commenced with open play from both sides, showcasing various attempts to gain the upper hand. Early on, Bournemouth's attack, led by Marcus Tavernier and Dango Ouattara, posed numerous threats to Wolves, forcing goalkeeper José Sa to make several impressive saves.
Wolves were equally dangerous, with their star player, Cunha, being heavily involved from the get-go. Kepa Arrizabalaga, Bournemouth's keeper, was forced to exhibit his skills early, making outstanding saves against attempts from Nelson Semedo and Jean-Ricner Bellegarde.
The pivotal moment of the match came at the half-hour mark when Zabarnyi received his marching orders for a high challenge on Rayan Ait-Nouri. Initially receiving only a yellow card from referee Michael Salisbury, the decision was overturned via VAR consultation, prompting the red card. This shocking turn of events dramatically shifted the game's momentum.
Just five minutes later, Cunha took advantage of the situation. Following some disarray within the Bournemouth defense post-red card, Cunha latched onto the ball from Marshall Munetsi's touch and powered his shot under the crossbar, giving Wolves the lead.
At halftime, Wolves went to the break with a 1-0 advantage, but their work was far from over. Despite having the upper hand with one extra player, Wolves failed to capitalize on their advantage as they missed several opportunities to extend their lead. Jorgen Strand Larsen, returning from injury, made his presence felt, coming close to scoring.
Even with Wolves controlling possession and creating chances, the away side faced pressure from Bournemouth, who, desperate to equalize, kept attacking. Dango Ouattara and Justin Kluivert led several advances, but Wolves' solid defense, marshalling Sa, Munetsi, and Toti, held firm.
Wolves' perseverance was tested throughout the second half as Bournemouth pressed. Despite some nail-biting moments, with Sa having to make key saves, particularly from late efforts by Kluivert and tavernier, Wolves maintained their slender lead.
Though they didn't add to their tally, Wolves managed to see out the remaining minutes without major incident. The match concluded with Wolves leading 1-0, providing them with three valuable points as they inch away from the relegation zone, giving them much-needed breathing room.
After the match, Wolves' manager Vitor Pereira expressed his satisfaction with the team's performance. “We showed great character today, especially after going down to ten men. It’s important for us to build on this and gain momentum as we move forward,” he remarked.
Looking forward, Bournemouth will need to regroup and refocus, as this defeat sends them back to the drawing board. Manager Iraola, addressing the press post-match, stated, “It’s frustrating. We’ve been playing well, but we need to learn how to respond to adversity. Red cards obviously change games and we need to be smarter.”
This match showcased the competitive nature of the Premier League, with both teams displaying their respective quality and determination throughout the contest. For Wolves, the victory not only adds three points to their tally but reinforces their resolve to fight for survival, leaving fans hopeful for the upcoming fixtures.