Andoni Iraola's high-flying Bournemouth lost just their second Premier League game since November when they were beaten 1-0 by relegation-threatened Wolverhampton Wanderers at the Vitality Stadium on Saturday.
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 intact, 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 back foot and preventing them from mustering any real threat.
SPORTS MOLE'S VERDICT
© Iconsport
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
© Iconsport
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)
© Imago
Nelson Semedo crosses the ball into the box from the right hand side but it is missed by the Bournemouth defenders, bounces off Marshall Munetsi and falls to Cunha, who finishes 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
© Iconsport
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
FT: Bournemouth 0-1 Wolves
— Squawka Live (@Squawka_Live) February 22, 2025
Wolves are unbeaten in all five of their Premier League away games against Bournemouth (W3 D2). #BOUWOL pic.twitter.com/4xICcFcuMB
𝐁𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐧𝐞𝐦𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐡 𝟎-𝟏 𝐖𝐨𝐥𝐯𝐞𝐬
— Opta Analyst (@OptaAnalyst) February 22, 2025
Bournemouth have lost back-to-back Premier League home games for the first time since October 2023.
It's also the first time they've lost consecutive home league games without scoring since April 2023 under Gary O'Neil. pic.twitter.com/KVjUNeslTq
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.
No Data Analysis info
