Wolves Claim Victory Over 10-Man Bournemouth to Pull Away from Relegation Threat

Wolverhampton Wanderers revitalised their bid for survival as they handed 10-man AFC Bournemouth their second straight Premier League defeat at the Vitality Stadium, marking the first time since October 2023 that the Cherries have faced back-to-back losses in the league.

Despite having only suffered one defeat in their previous 13 Premier League matches, Bournemouth quickly realised that a fixture against relegation-threatened Wolves would not be as straightforward as anticipated.

The visitors made a bright start, with Nélson Semedo driving into the penalty area and hitting the post, followed closely by Kepa Arrizabalaga making a fantastic save to deny Jean-Ricner Bellegarde’s well-placed rebound.

As Wolves continued to dominate the early exchanges under the warm south coast sun, Kepa was again called into action, deflecting Matheus Cunha’s long-range strike away from danger.

Bournemouth’s situation worsened just after the half-hour mark when Illia Zabarnyi’s poorly-timed challenge earned him a straight red card following a review. Moments later, Cunha went unmarked at eight yards out and seized the opportunity to put Wolves ahead.

The Cherries looked to rally in response to falling behind, but Wolves took full advantage of their numerical superiority to manage the remainder of a scrappy first half.

Both teams had chances to attack after the break, yet Wolves squandered a golden opportunity when Marshall Munetsi directed what appeared to be a straightforward finish wide from close range.

With Bournemouth failing to display their usual attacking flair that had benefitted them so well this term, the game slipped away in the second half. They were unable to find a way back, succumbing to a resolute Wolves side that remains unbeaten in five Premier League matches at the Vitality Stadium.

Wolves returned to Molineux invigorated by their fourth Premier League win under Vitor Pereira, moving them five points clear of the relegation zone.

Conversely, while the result signifies a rare off-day for the high-flying Bournemouth, their aspirations for European football remain very much alive despite the loss.