Wolves’ newfound momentum under Julen Lopetegui took a hit at Molineux as AFC Bournemouth claimed all three points thanks to Marcus Tavernier’s second half strike.
The hosts were dominant from the off but struggled to create clearcut chances throughout the 90 minutes, and were left frustrated by the Cherries, who took the lead on 49 minutes and managed the game from there, repelling half-chances from Craig Dawson and Ruben Neves, as Wolves suffered a first defeat in three.
Molineux had its vigour back come kick-off, with Wolves in good form, and they started well again, without the early lead like against Liverpool. The Cherries had already escaped a number of close calls inside their penalty area before Nelson Semedo broke free and squared for Pablo Sarabia, whose effort was goalbound, but kept out by the covering Adam Smith.
Given his first Premier League start under Lopetegui, Adama Traore was proving difficult for Bournemouth to handle, and while one of his trademark charges drew a booking out of Philip Billing, Wolves couldn’t turn their dominance into chances during the opening half hour.
Behind Adama, Semedo was proving similarly dangerous down the right and when Sarabia slipped him in, the Portuguese’s cross was glanced over by his compatriot Joao Moutinho. Visiting goalkeeper Neto went untested on that occasion but had to be alert to palm away Sarabia’s low effort moments later, as Wolves continued to turn the screw.
As the break neared, the home side’s attacking trio worked the ball nicely to Adama, whose low drive took a nick into the path of Neto, as their first half efforts, which were plenty, went unrewarded in front of goal.
Half-time | Wolves 0-0 Bournemouth
The half-time break can be a dangerous period in football, and after dominating the first 45, Wolves fell behind just minutes into the second period. The ball was worked wide to Dominic Solanke, whose cross was nudged over the line by the knee of Tavernier.
The Cherries had their goal and, in an instant, the game changed. Keen to play the clock down and disrupt the flow of the game, Wolves needed to find an extra gear to get something out of the game. On came Daniel Podence and Rayan Ait-Nouri to provide fresh legs, and Wolves continued to dominate, without finding a goal, with Dawson having a header turned over by Neto.
In truth, stoppages, Bournemouth injuries and Wolves frustrations were the story of the second period, as Wolves failed to find the right pass to work their way into shooting positions. If they were going to score, it would have to be spectacular, and Ruben Neves caught his injury time shot well, but Neto held on.
It meant the visitors were able to see out their victory, reminding Wolves of the work they have ahead of them.
Full-time | Wolves 0-1 Bournemouth
Wolves | Sa, Semedo, Dawson, Kilman, Bueno (Ait-Nouri 62), Neves, Moutinho (Gomes 70), Nunes (Podence 61), Adama (Jimenez 77), Sarabia, Cunha (Costa 70).
Unused subs | Bentley, Jonny, Collins, Hodge.
Bournemouth | Neto, Smith, Stephens, Senesi, Zemura (Vina 84), Ouattara (Semenyo 57), Lerma (Rothwell 46), Tavernier (Anthony 57), Billing, Traore (Mepham 80), Solanke.
Unused subs | Travers, Fredericks, Christie, Moore.
