Tavernier’s deflection and Toti’s red leave Wolves undone as Bournemouth get going

Bournemouth claimed their first Premier League win of the season with a composed 1-0 victory over 10-man Wolves at the Vitality Stadium, decided by Marcus Tavernier’s fourth-minute strike that took a heavy deflection before bouncing in off the underside of the crossbar. The Cherries were sharper and surer from the outset, their press setting the tone and their wide players repeatedly asking questions.

Wolves showed more life after Toti Gomes was dismissed early in the second half for pushing Evanilson as the last man, but Andoni Iraola’s side managed the advantage with assurance. Jose Sa denied Tyler Adams from distance to keep the visitors within reach, yet clear chances were scarce at either end as Bournemouth saw out a deserved three points and Wolves suffered a second successive defeat.

Press and purpose: Bournemouth cash in on the fast start

The winning move was trademark Iraola: ferocious pressure near the Wolves box unsettled Jean‑Ricner Bellegarde, Antoine Semenyo slipped the ball into Tavernier’s stride, and the winger’s low effort deviated wickedly off a defender before cannoning down from the bar and over the line. Tavernier’s celebration told the story of early belief; Bournemouth’s front unit had Wolves on their heels.

Semenyo almost doubled the lead inside 10 minutes, meeting a dainty David Brooks cross first time and smashing against the underside of the crossbar. Brooks’ drifting runs inside from the right kept the visitors guessing, while at the other end Djordje Petrovic’s handling was tidy, including a key intervention to keep out Jorgen Strand Larsen during Wolves’ best first-half moment.

A turning point without a turnaround

Vítor Pereira’s interval tweaks briefly jolted Wolves. Hugo Bueno’s cutback teed up Jhon Arias within a minute of the restart, but the Colombian could only fire into the sidenetting. Any budding momentum fizzled moments later when Toti shoved Evanilson as the striker bore down on goal, drawing a straight red that left Wolves with 10 for most of the half.

Paradoxically, the visitors produced their most assertive spell after the dismissal. Recent signing Jackson Tchatchoua surged down the flank to force Bournemouth into retreat, yet the equaliser never came. Petrovic had earlier denied Strand Larsen from Ki‑Jana Hoever’s service, and when Bournemouth broke, Adams’ skidding drive was turned away by Sa. Semenyo remained lively but wasteful, slicing one second-half opening over from another Brooks cross.

Iraola’s identity, new faces and a clean sheet

After an encouraging, if fruitless, outing at Anfield on opening weekend, Iraola kept faith with an unchanged XI and was rewarded with a fast start and a clean sheet. The pressing traps were familiar: Adams hounded in midfield, Brooks pinched infield to deliver, and Tavernier and Semenyo drove at space.

With Wolves chasing, Iraola introduced Ryan Christie, Amine Adli and Justin Kluivert. Adli, a £25m arrival from Bayer Leverkusen, stretched the back line with sharp runs and gave home fans a glimpse of his speed and timing, while Christie added control in the inside channels. Bournemouth didn’t turn control into a second goal, but they didn’t need to.

Pereira’s puzzle: selection stakes and blunt edges

Wolves’ afternoon began to unravel with the early concession, but selection subplots framed the narrative too. The Brazilian holding midfielder André was a surprise omission from the starting XI; Pereira later stressed that “positions are not a gift,” adding he wanted to push the player to raise his level. André replaced Bellegarde at half-time, while Bueno came on and David Moller Wolfe made way. Ki‑Jana Hoever’s first-half injury led to Tchatchoua’s entrance and a brighter right flank.

Arias’ sharp chance seconds after the interval was the closest Wolves came, and his withdrawal a little over 10 minutes into the half drew a smattering of boos from the away end. For all the endeavour with 10 men, clear sights of goal were limited; Petrovic’s most serious work was that first-half stop from Strand Larsen.

What it means and what’s next

The result steadies Bournemouth after a summer of major change and underscores the value of continuity under Iraola. A first win, a shutout, and a performance that largely controlled risk offer a platform for the week ahead.

For Wolves, it is two league losses to start and lingering questions about depth and cutting edge. Pereira reiterated his desire for three additions before the window shuts. Next up, Bournemouth host Brentford in the Carabao Cup before visiting Tottenham, while Wolves face West Ham in the Cup and then welcome Everton in the league.