Wolverhampton Wanderers vs AFC Bournemouth LIVE: Premier ...
Molineux Stadium, the home of Wolverhampton Wanderers (Getty Images)
Follow live coverage as Wolverhampton Wanderers face AFC Bournemouth today in the Premier League. Another top-flight season will be covered in full right here with The Independent, as reigning champions Manchester City look to make it an unprecedented five titles in a row come the end of 2024/25.
The likes of Arsenal and Liverpool will be chasing Pep Guardiola's side, but just as fascinating will be the race for Champions League places, with more teams than ever before having designs on top-four finishes. Chelsea remain big-spending, Manchester United's latest rebuild continues and both Tottenham and Newcastle will expect improvements this year - yet it was Aston Villa who snared fourth last term.
Meanwhile, it's Southampton, Leicester City and Ipswich Town who made it back to the elite after promotion last year and each will have hope they can make it more than a one-year stay. Follow the latest live action from the Premier League below:
Wolverhampton Wanderers FC 2 - 4 AFC Bournemouth
17:18
After 106 minutes of football, it’s Bournemouth who walk away with all three points here in Wolverhampton as the match ends 2-4 to the visitors. The game opened with end to end action as the Cherries took the lead just three minutes in via a Kluivert penalty. Wolves pulled one back and got things on level terms less than two minutes later, but some really poor defensive errors from Sa would see the home side give away two more penalties. Kerkez gave Bournemouth the lead with a powerful shot at the near post from a tight angle, before Evanilson won another penalty by catching Sa unaware. Kluivert slotted it home again to make it a brace for himself and it was 1-3 at the break. Wolves started the second half strongly, with Guedes making an immediate impact as a substitute to read Strand Larsen’s checked run and set him up for a powerful finish. It looked like Wolves may have gotten themselves back into the game, but it wasn’t to be. A misplaced back pass from Dawson would see Sa forced into another defensive error, again being pressed by the energetic Evanilson, and another penalty was awarded to Bournemouth. Kluivert made history by being the first player in Premier League history to score a hat-trick of penalties and Evanilson joined him by becoming the first player to win three penalties in a Premier League match. Wolves never looked like coming back after that, and the final scoreline read 2-4 to the visitors. Bournemouth, helped by the penalties, generated an xG of 3.19, while Wolves could only manage 0.45 xG of their own. This win sees Bournemouth move up to 11th in the table, while Wolves drop one spot to 18th. That’s all from us tonight — thank you for joining this live commentary, we hope you’ve enjoyed it!
Wolverhampton Wanderers vs AFC Bournemouth17:06
FULL-TIME: WOLVES 2-4 BOURNEMOUTH
Wolverhampton Wanderers vs AFC Bournemouth17:05
Forbs tries to cross into the box but it's overhit and the ball rolls out of play. And that will be the final kick of the match!
Wolverhampton Wanderers vs AFC Bournemouth17:03
The game is petering out now, with many fans already making their way out of Molineux. Kepa sends the ball long as Bournemouth will just try to see out the remaining few minutes.
Wolverhampton Wanderers vs AFC Bournemouth17:01
Wolves look to desperately get the ball upfield, but the delivery is poor and Strand Larsen can't do much with that. The Norwegian has not had much service in the second half.
Wolverhampton Wanderers vs AFC Bournemouth17:01
Yellow Card Jørgen Strand Larsen
Wolverhampton Wanderers vs AFC Bournemouth16:58
It looks like we'll have eight minutes of additional time here in Wolverhampton.
Wolverhampton Wanderers vs AFC Bournemouth16:56
Kluivert is the first player in Premier League history to score a hat-trick of penalties in a single match, while Evanilson also the first to win three penalties in the same game in the competition.
Wolverhampton Wanderers vs AFC Bournemouth16:55
The corner is whipped in and it falls again for Unal, but his shot is well off target.
Wolverhampton Wanderers vs AFC Bournemouth16:55
The Cherries have barely seen the ball in recent minutes, but Unal is played in with a long cross from deep. His touch is good, but Lemina is there to send it out for a corner.
Wolverhampton Wanderers vs AFC Bournemouth16:53
With about five minutes of regulation time left, Wolves surge forward. They're being forced into patient build up though as Bournemouth defend deep.
Wolverhampton Wanderers vs AFC Bournemouth16:52
O'Neil looks to freshen things up in midfield as Andre comes off for Hwang.
Wolverhampton Wanderers vs AFC Bournemouth16:51
Senesi is replaced by Huijsen with just eight minutes to go.
Wolverhampton Wanderers vs AFC Bournemouth16:50
Guedes takes on a shot from distance and it catches a deflection on it's way towards goal. It's on target still, but Kepa collects easily.
Wolverhampton Wanderers vs AFC Bournemouth16:48
Kluivert has scored 4 penalties in the Premier League this season, more than any other player.
Wolverhampton Wanderers vs AFC Bournemouth16:45
Kluivert is given a rest after scoring his third goal of the match, with Billing on to replace him.
Wolverhampton Wanderers vs AFC Bournemouth16:44
Substitution Francisco Evanilson de Lima Barbosa Enes Ünal
Wolverhampton Wanderers vs AFC Bournemouth16:41
Yellow Card Mario René Junior Lemina
Wolverhampton Wanderers vs AFC Bournemouth16:40
YET ANOTHER PENALTY FOR BOURNEMOUTH! SA WITH A NIGHTMARE OF A TACKLE. He's pressured again by Evanilson after a poor back pass from Dawson. Sa has no choice but to rush into the clearance and he takes out Evanilson in the process. Car crash football from Wolves tonight.
Wolverhampton Wanderers vs AFC Bournemouth16:40
Penalty Goal Justin Dean Kluivert
Wolverhampton Wanderers vs AFC Bournemouth16:40
Yellow Card José Pedro Malheiro de Sá
Wolverhampton Wanderers vs AFC Bournemouth16:40
It's a brilliant start by Guedes as he holds onto the ball well and slips it through for Strand Larsen to finish from around the penalty spot.
Wolverhampton Wanderers vs AFC Bournemouth16:40
WOLVES PULL ONE BACK! 2-3 NOW! It's an immediate impact from Guedes as he surges forward following a long ball into space. He does well to keep the ball and find Strand Larsen, who checks his run just enough to stay onside and finish powerfully straight down the middle!
Wolverhampton Wanderers vs AFC Bournemouth16:38
Wolves have had 67.1% possession over the opening 15 minutes of the second half, but they haven't looked too dangerous so far.
Wolverhampton Wanderers vs AFC Bournemouth16:32
Iraola looks to hold onto the lead with a slightly more defensive option as Ouattara replaces Brooks on the wing.
Wolverhampton Wanderers vs AFC Bournemouth16:32
Substitution Tote António Gomes Gonçalo Manuel Ganchinho Guedes
Wolverhampton Wanderers vs AFC Bournemouth16:32
Substitution Jean-Ricner Bellegarde Carlos Roberto Forbs Borges
Wolverhampton Wanderers vs AFC Bournemouth16:31
Bournemouth move the ball around well as the game just slows down a touch. Kerkez works his way into a good position and sends the ball into the box but Lemina is there to keep it away.
Wolverhampton Wanderers vs AFC Bournemouth16:27
Cunha's cross is blocked and he wins a corner. He takes it himself and whips it in towards the far post, but Kepa is there to punch away firmly.
Wolverhampton Wanderers vs AFC Bournemouth16:26
Evanilson is brought down by Lemina about 20 yards outside the Wolves' box. Bournemouth have a decent opportunity here with this freekick. It's sent into the box, but cleared swiftly out all the way towards Kepa.
Wolverhampton Wanderers vs AFC Bournemouth16:23
Kluivert finds space and takes on another shot as he continues the hunt for his hattrick. It's hit hard and on target, but kept out by Sa.
Wolverhampton Wanderers vs AFC Bournemouth16:20
Wolves win a free kick about 30 yards outside the box and Cunha sends in a good ball, looking for Aït-Nouri's head on the left, but it's cleared with ease.
Wolverhampton Wanderers vs AFC Bournemouth16:20
Yellow Card Craig Dawson
Wolverhampton Wanderers vs AFC Bournemouth16:18
Wolves are enjoying a healthy spell of possession in the opening minutes. Can they do something with it? Cunha breaks forward but Bournemouth keep their shape and get back, so the ball is recycled back to Gomes.
Wolverhampton Wanderers vs AFC Bournemouth16:16
Bournemouth nearly make it four! The diagonal ball is played in time and Kerkez meets it with his run, but Lemina is back and makes an excellent sliding tackle to keep the danger out.
Wolverhampton Wanderers vs AFC Bournemouth16:12
And we're underway again under the lights!
Wolverhampton Wanderers vs AFC Bournemouth16:12
Substitution Rodrigo Martins Gomes Craig Dawson
Wolverhampton Wanderers vs AFC Bournemouth16:11
Looking to the second half, Bournemouth will want to keep their energy up and ensure they don’t give too much away to the Wolves’ forwards, particularly Cunha and Strand Larsen. Wolves, on the other hand, will need a dramatic turnaround if they want to take anything from this game.
Wolverhampton Wanderers vs AFC Bournemouth16:09
It’s half-time here at the Molineux and Bournemouth lead 3-1. The game got off to a flier, with four goals within the opening 18 minutes. Evanilson was brought down clumsily inside the box in the second minute of the match and Kluivert opened the scoring with a coolly-taken penalty. Strand Larsen put Wolves back on level terms just two minutes later with a well-guided header, but it wouldn’t last long as Kerkez was played in down the left wing and sent his shot flying into the top netting to give the Cherries the lead. Kluivert added one more through another penalty in the 18th minute after Sa clipped the heels of Evanilson as the striker approached from behind to try and steal the ball. That gave Bournemouth a comfortable lead, though Cunha and Strand Larsen have still created chances as Wolves looked threatening moving forward. The match calmed down after that exciting start, and towards the end, Bournemouth seemed happy defending the lead in their own half as Wolves desperately tried to get something before the stroke of half time. Wolves have been operating with an xG of 0.23, while Bournemouth, unsurprisingly, have made 2.22 xG. The Opta live win probability is favouring the Cherries heavily with a win at 87.8%, while a draw is the next likeliest outcome at 9.4%. A Wolves comeback seems improbable at 2.8%, but O’Neil’s side haven’t looked quite as bad as the scoreline suggests.
Wolverhampton Wanderers vs AFC Bournemouth15:58
HALF-TIME: WOLVES 1-3 BOURNEMOUTH
Wolverhampton Wanderers vs AFC Bournemouth15:56
Kluivert runs into Aït-Nouri and misses the ball completely. Wolves win a free kick right near the touchline and will try to make something happen with what should be the last kick of the half. Cunha sends the ball in, but Bournemouth clear.
Wolverhampton Wanderers vs AFC Bournemouth15:55
The game has just settled down a bit now as we approach half-time. Wolves will want to try and get one back before the break. Bournemouth are content defending the lead for now as Senensi heads Cunha's cross away. Wolves will try and rebuild again now.
Wolverhampton Wanderers vs AFC Bournemouth15:52
Kluivert's two penalties in the opening 18 minutes at Molineux tonight are the earliest a team has scored twice from the spot from the start of a Premier League match.
Wolverhampton Wanderers vs AFC Bournemouth15:51
Sa is almost caught out again this time as Evanilson presses him aggressively, but the keeper manages to work the ball out wide.
Wolverhampton Wanderers vs AFC Bournemouth15:49
On account of all the penalties and VAR checks and that lengthy break for Strand Larsen's treatment, we'll have up to eight minutes of time added on here!
Wolverhampton Wanderers vs AFC Bournemouth15:49
Cunha stands over the free kick. He goes for goal and tries the floated curler towards the near post, but he gets too much air on it and the ball sails over the crossbar. That's a poor effort from Cunha.
Wolverhampton Wanderers vs AFC Bournemouth15:46
Yellow Card Illia Zabarnyi
Wolverhampton Wanderers vs AFC Bournemouth15:46
Bournemouth enjoying a rare spell of possession now inside the Wolves' half. Iraola's men try to patiently build up by circulating the ball around. Wolves seem content to defend deep at the moment.
Wolverhampton Wanderers vs AFC Bournemouth15:45
Most of the action has been in the Bournemouth half lately as Wolves try to work another move down the left channel. Aït-Nouri is played into space, but his cross is overhit.
Wolverhampton Wanderers vs AFC Bournemouth15:40
It's a succession of corners down the other end now as Bournemouth send a few deliveries into the box, but Wolves clear their lines well.
Wolverhampton Wanderers vs AFC Bournemouth15:38
Wolves win a corner and Cunha sends in a flat delivery towards the near edge of the six yard box. Gomes gets his head to it, but his effort is well off target.
Wolverhampton Wanderers vs AFC Bournemouth15:37
Wolves are appealing for a penalty here as Gomes is brought down in the box as he tries to latch onto Cunha's low cross. The referee waves the players on, but the crowd aren't happy about that one either.
Wolverhampton Wanderers vs AFC Bournemouth15:35
The Cherries are constantly looking a threat by pressing the Wolves defenders deep into their own half. It almost breaks again for Evanilson but the pass is read and ball is sent back out.
Wolverhampton Wanderers vs AFC Bournemouth15:34
And play gets underway again. Strand Larsen is just waiting on the touchline for the go ahead to get back on the pitch. Wolves get things restarted for us.
Wolverhampton Wanderers vs AFC Bournemouth15:32
Wolves' poor defensive form this season continues. They have conceded 15 first-half goals in 13 games, more than any other in the Premier League this season.
Wolverhampton Wanderers vs AFC Bournemouth15:31
Strand Larsen is down after sending a header high over the Bournemouth goal. Replays show that he collided heads with Senesi in his follow through, so a concussion check is taking place.
Wolverhampton Wanderers vs AFC Bournemouth15:29
Andre gives the ball away in midfield, but wins it back almost immediately. He sends it to Cunha who slips Bellegarde in with a beautiful through ball. The delivery into the box is blocked and the ball rolls out of play.
Wolverhampton Wanderers vs AFC Bournemouth15:27
Kluivert and Evanilson look a constant threat running in behind the Wolves defence, as Evanilson is sent into space again but Wolves clear quickly and get the ball back up the field.
Wolverhampton Wanderers vs AFC Bournemouth15:26
Gomes is slipped in down the left channel, but Christie makes an imposing tackle to keep it out.
Wolverhampton Wanderers vs AFC Bournemouth15:24
Bournemouth look far more composed in possession and it feels like they might create a chance every time they win the ball back. Wolves are looking shakier and shakier as the half goes on, but Cunha and Strand Larsen still look like they can pose a threat on the break.
Wolverhampton Wanderers vs AFC Bournemouth15:21
PENALTY TO BOURNEMOUTH! Referee Peter Bankes has a closer look and points to the spot yet again. The Molineux is making their feelings known about that decision!
Wolverhampton Wanderers vs AFC Bournemouth15:18
And they're checking for another penalty! Sa had the ball and Evanilson was approaching him from behind to try and knick it off him. Sa likely didn't see him, but he clipped his ankles straight on and it looks like the referee will have a closer look at this.
Wolverhampton Wanderers vs AFC Bournemouth15:18
Penalty Goal Justin Dean Kluivert
Wolverhampton Wanderers vs AFC Bournemouth15:18
Wolverhampton Wanderers have conceded five goals in the first 15 minutes of the first half, only Ipswich Town (six) have conceded more in the Premier League this season.
Wolverhampton Wanderers vs AFC Bournemouth15:15
Almost another one! Kluivert gets the ball on the wing and drills in a cross towards goal. Evanilson is there and gets his shot off, but doesn't direct it well enough and Sa keeps it out.
Wolverhampton Wanderers vs AFC Bournemouth15:10
Goal Miloš Kerkez
Wolverhampton Wanderers vs AFC Bournemouth15:07
Goal Jørgen Strand Larsen
Wolverhampton Wanderers vs AFC Bournemouth15:06
IMMEDIATE DRAMA HERE IN WOLVERHAMPTON! PENALTY GIVEN TO BOURNEMOUTH! The Cherries sent a long ball into space and Evanilson latched onto it. He took into the box and Gomes brought him down from behind. The referee took no time to point to the spot. Semedo is protesting the decision heavily.
Wolverhampton Wanderers vs AFC Bournemouth15:03
Penalty Goal Justin Dean Kluivert
Wolverhampton Wanderers vs AFC Bournemouth15:03
Yellow Card Nélson Cabral Semedo
Wolverhampton Wanderers vs AFC Bournemouth15:02
And Wolves get us underway at Molineux!
Wolverhampton Wanderers vs AFC Bournemouth14:58
Both teams are making their way onto the pitch now and we’re nearly ready for kickoff here at the Molineux Stadium!
Wolverhampton Wanderers vs AFC Bournemouth14:58
Iraola, meanwhile, has made two changes to the side that lost against Brighton, with Cook replacing Christie in midfield while Brooks, who scored a consolation goal for the Cherries on the stroke of full-time last weekend, replaces the suspended Semenyo.
Wolverhampton Wanderers vs AFC Bournemouth14:58
O’Neil has put out an unchanged team from Wolves’ last outing against Fulham, with the in-form Cunha in the starting XI.
Wolverhampton Wanderers vs AFC Bournemouth14:53
BOURNEMOUTH SUBS: Dean Huijsen, Dango Ouattara, James Hill, Enes Ünal, Philip Billing, Max Aarons, Mark Travers, Ben Winterburn, Max Kinsey
Wolverhampton Wanderers vs AFC Bournemouth14:48
WOLVES SUBS: Sam Johnstone, Matt Doherty, Santiago Bueno, Hwang Hee-Chan, Craig Dawson, Tommy Doyle, Pablo Sarabia, Carlos Forbs, Gonçalo Guedes
Wolverhampton Wanderers vs AFC Bournemouth14:48
BOURNEMOUTH XI (4-2-3-1): Kepa; Milos Kerkez, Marcos Senesi, Illia Zabarnyi, Adam Smith; Ryan Christie, Tyler Adams; David Brooks, Justin Kluivert, Marcus Tavernier; Evanilson
Wolverhampton Wanderers vs AFC Bournemouth14:48
WOLVES XI (3-4-2-1): José Sá; Rayan Aït-Nouri, Toti Gomes, Mario Lemina; Rodrigo Gomes, João Gomes, André, Nélson Semedo; Matheus Cunha, Jean-Ricner Bellegarde; Jørgen Strand Larsen
Wolverhampton Wanderers vs AFC Bournemouth14:42
Bournemouth, on the other hand, are faring a little better as they are currently 13th in the Premier League table with 15 points from their 12 matches. The Cherries suffered a 2-1 defeat to Brighton at home last weekend, with David Brooks scoring an injury time consolation goal. Bournemouth have also been in a poor run of away form (1D, 3L) in their last four matches and Andoni Iraola will be hoping for a change in fortune tonight. Antoine Semenyo and Evanilson have been the standout performers for Iraola this season, with four goals apiece so far.
Wolverhampton Wanderers vs AFC Bournemouth14:42
The focus tonight will be on Wolves following a poor start to the season. They currently sit 17th in the Premier League table with nine points from 12 matches so far. Wolves enjoyed a good outing away at Fulham last weekend though, where they won 4-1, extending their unbeaten streak to four matches. Matheus Cunha picked up a brace while Joao Gomes and Goncalo Guedes also got on the scoresheet. When the two sides last met in the league, Bournemouth eeked out a 1-0 victory at the Molineux. Gary O’Neil will be hoping for his side to push on from their win last weekend and secure three points tonight to get their season back on track.
Wolverhampton Wanderers vs AFC Bournemouth14:37
Hello and welcome to our live match coverage of today's Premier League clash between Wolves and Bournemouth at the Molineux Stadium!
Wolverhampton Wanderers vs AFC Bournemouth14:30
Lineups are announced and players are warming up.
Wolverhampton Wanderers vs AFC Bournemouth13:00
Follow all the goals and latest action from the Premier League here with The Independent. Team news and line-ups coming up shortly…
