Bournemouth 0-0 Wolves: Cherries end three-game losing streak as they earn a point in their first match since Scott Parker’s dismissal
- Bournemouth and Wolves played out a stalemate draw at the Vitality Stadium
- It was the Cherries’ first match since the dismissal of former boss Scott Parker
- Wolves squandered several chances, notably Raul Jimenez after 78 minutes
- Bournemouth are out of the relegation Zone but Wolves remain in it
Not a £1,320 cardigan in sight, though there was some wool that Bournemouth tried to pull over the eyes of referee Anthony Taylor as this contest stalled to a stalemate.
Midway through the first half, Bournemouth were warned for time-wasting by Taylor. The recurring routine was simple – a defender would stand over a deep free-kick, take an age, then usher the goalkeeper to take it instead at the final moment.
Taylor’s patience snapped in the second half as he booked Bournemouth goalkeeper Neto for milking a goal-kick. But it was an indication of the manager-less side’s top priority in this Premier League match – do not lose, no matter what.
Bournemouth ended their three-match losing streak after earning a point against Wolves
Interim boss Gary O’Neil took charge of Bournemouth’s first game since Scott Parker’s sacking
They could not stomach another defeat. Not after those losses to Liverpool, Arsenal and Manchester City to an aggregate score of 16-0. Bournemouth took their chances to run down the clock at the Vitality Stadium and picked up a point in return.
They rode their luck – Wolves had several golden chances to win this game – but Bournemouth will take this goalless draw after their recent run of rotten luck.
Scott Parker got four games before being sacked – one for every stripe on that now-famous cardigan of his. Caretaker Gary O’Neil was in charge here instead.
Bournemouth went into this match having attempted only 21 shots this season, the Premier League’s lowest total. By contrast, Fulham striker Aleksandar Mitrovic had managed 22 alone.
They wanted some help in moving level with Mitrovic when Jordan Zemura claimed he was pushed in the back by Pedro Neto in the penalty area. Taylor was unmoved.
Wolves, who remain winless this season, tried to get at Bournemouth. The first in a series of chances saw Matheus Nunes strike the crossbar.
Raul Jimenez’s header then needed tipping over, before Neto’s viciously-struck shot from distance flew narrowly wide and Nunes’s own 20-yard drive was smartly saved.
Wolves boss Bruno Lage looked annoyed in his technical area. He felt his side could and should have taken one of these chances to open the scoring, but it remained goalless.
At half time, the scorelines from the four other Premier League fixtures were read out. ‘Manchester City, three, Nottingham Forest, nil,’ said the announcer. ‘And yes, all three goals were scored by Erling Haaland.’ Cue a cheer. Bournemouth may have lost 4-0 at City earlier in August, but they didn’t let Haaland score.
Wolves were similarly kicking themselves for not finding a breakthrough here. Bournemouth looked lively at the start of the second half, showing some attacking intent.
Ryan Christie (left) and Joao Moutinho battled for the ball during Wednesday night’s match
Raul Jimenez rn clean through on goal after 78 minutes but he dragged his effort wide
Wolves’ fans were frustrated and started to sing: ‘Bruno, make a sub.’ Followed by: ‘Adama Traore.’ Lage listened, introducing Traore minutes later.
He was lively as always, and Wolves were cursing their luck for not burying two clear chances. In the 78th minute, Jimenez was through, one on one, but sent his shot wide. In the 80th, Daniel Podence’s header was flying in until Lloyd Kelly produced a goal-line clearance.
With that, it finished goalless. Wolves are still searching for that illusive first win, but Bournemouth’s rotten run of defeats is over, at least.
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