Returning to the Vitality Stadium for the first time following his brutal sacking at the end of last term, Gary O’Neil would look to guide his Wolves side to victory against Andoni Iraola’s Bournemouth.
BOU: Neto; Kerkez, Kelly, Zabarnyi, Aarons; Cook, Scott; Tavernier, Billing, Brooks; Solanke
WOL: Sá; Toti, Dawson, Kilman; Aït-Nouri, Traoré, João Gomes, Doherty; Hwang, Cunha, Neto
Bournemouth found themselves under immense pressure early on, with Pedro Neto striking the crossbar – but the Cherries took the lead themselves following a fast, flowing move on the right flank. Philip Billing was able to pick out Dominic Solanke in the box, with the latter simply flicking past the goalkeeper to open the scoring.
But their lead would be eradicated just 71 seconds after the interval, with Pedro Neto arriving in the box to find Matheus Cunha. The Brazilian did well to restore parity and level the tie, curling a sublime first-time strike into the back of the net.
Embed from Getty ImagesAnd given that Lewis Cook was dismissed seven minutes later for headbutting Hwang Hee-chan following a brutal challenge, it should have come as no surprise that Wolves would look to make full use of their numerical advantage.
With minutes remaining, Billing was dispossessed following a short goal kick from Neto, allowing Hwang to tee up Saša Kalajdžić for a late winner to ensure the three points would be heading back to Molineux.
Wolves host Newcastle United next weekend, while Bournemouth welcome Burnley to the Vitality Stadium.
