KEY POINTS
- Wolves’ 1-0 win pushes them five points clear of relegation.
- Munetsi impressed in his first Wolves start, providing an assist.
- Bournemouth’s red card helped Wolves gain control of the match.
Wolves’ 1-0 victory over Bournemouth at Vitality Stadium on Saturday was a significant step toward their Premier League survival.
Cunha strike lifts Wolves past Bournemouth in crucial victory
Wolves, who started the game only two points above the relegation zone, won all three points thanks to a goal from Matheus Cunha. Under head coach Vítor Pereira, the victory increased their lead to five points.
Wolves took advantage of Ipswich Town’s Saturday loss and Leicester City’s Friday loss. Illia Zabarnyi of Bournemouth was sent off for challenging Rayan Aït-Nouri, which aided their cause.
Wolves looked threatening on the counterattack and produced multiple scoring opportunities, including one for Jean-Ricner Bellegarde, even before the hosts were reduced to 10 men. On the day of the transfer deadline, Pereira also gave Marshall Munetsi his first start since he joined from Stade Reims for £16.6 million. The midfield player had already played as a substitute against Liverpool and Blackburn.
Pereira praises Munetsi’s versatility after impressive performance
In a press conference on Friday, Pereira implied that he sees Munetsi as an advanced midfielder, despite some analysts noting that he has been playing closer to the striker in recent games.
According to New Zimbabawe, the 28-year-old began as one of two offensive midfielders against Bournemouth, but once João Gomes was replaced, he took on a more significant role. Pereira praised Munetsi for his ability to contribute at both ends of the ball, demonstrating his versatility regardless of his position.
Pereira stated on Wolves’ official website, “I’m asking him to help the team as a midfielder and to appear from the back into the box.” “And he has another opportunity to score, even though it wasn’t today, but he has a chance every time he shows up.”
In contrast to midfielders like André and Gomes, Munetsi brings a more physical presence and attacking threat to the game. In the second half, the Zimbabwean international squandered a great chance to score by shooting wide from close range, but he commemorated his full debut by assisting on Cunha’s goal.
Wolves, who were only two points above the relegation zone going into the game. Under head coach Vítor Pereira, the victory increased their lead to five points.
Wolves took advantage of Ipswich Town’s Saturday loss and Leicester City’s Friday loss. Illia Zabarnyi of Bournemouth was sent off for challenging Rayan Aït-Nouri, which aided their cause.
Wolves looked threatening on the counterattack and produced multiple scoring opportunities, including one for Jean-Ricner Bellegarde, even before the hosts were reduced to 10 men.
