Marcus Tavernier scored what turned out to be the winning goal after just 5 minutes, as Bournemouth held on to beat 10-man Wolves and pick up their first victory of the 2025-26 season at Vitality Stadium on Saturday.
WATCH — Bournemouth v Wolves full match replay
USMNT star Tyler Adams started the sequence which led to the goal, charging forward to dispossess Jean-Ricner Bellegarde just when it looked like Wolves had a dangerous counter-attacking opportunity. Adams didn’t get the assist on the play — that went to Antoine Semenyo, who collected the ensuing loose ball and quickly ushered it on to Tavernier for the (deflected) finish.
Wolves finished with just 10 men after Toti Gomes, who picked up a yellow card in the first half, was shown a straight red for DOGSO as Evanilson was in behind for Bournemouth.
After losing 4-2 to Liverpool on opening day, Andoni Iraola will be over the moon about his side’s clean sheet by holding Wolves to just 41 percent of possession and 6 shots (1 on target) over the 90 minutes.
What’s next?
- Wolves vs West Ham — Tuesday, 2:30 pm ET (League Cup)
- Bournemouth vs Brentford — Tuesday, 2:45 pm ET (League Cup)
- Wolves vs Everton — Saturday, 10 am ET (Premier League)
- Tottenham Hotspur vs Bournemouth — Saturday, 10 am ET (Premier League)
Bournemouth vs Wolves live updates - by Andy Edwards
Bournemouth vs Wolves final score: 1-0
Goalscorers: Marcus Tavernier (5')
RED CARD! Toti Gomes sent off for DOGSO foul on Evanilson (49')
GOAL! Bournemouth 1-0 Wolves: Tavernier’s shot finds its way through (5')
Bournemouth starting lineup
Petrovic - Smith, Diakite, Sensei, Truffert - Adams, Tavernier, Scott - Semenyo, Brooks, Evanilson
Wolves starting lineup
Sa - Doherty, Agbadou, T. Gomes - Hoever, Munetsi, J. Gomes, Moller Wolfe - Arias, Bellegarde, Strand Larsen
How to watch Bournemouth vs Wolves live, stream link and start time
Kick off time: 10am ET Saturday
Venue: Vitality Stadium — Bournemouth
TV Channel: Peacock
Streaming: Stream live on Peacock
Bournemouth lost 4-2 at Liverpool in the opening game of the season but threatened an almighty shock as they surged back from 2-0 down to make it 2-2 before eventually losing at Anfield. Andoni Iraola’s side have lost key players in defense and that will obviously impact them this season, but they look very dangerous going forward with the brilliant Antoine Semenyo scoring twice at Liverpool. The Cherries should be in the top 10 conversation once again this season.
Wolves would love to be in that conversation but it seems Vitor Pereira’s side are in for a season of relegation struggle. They’ve lost so many key players this summer and haven’t really replaced them. But it’s hard to judge Wolves after they were dismantled 4-0 at home by a stacked and hungry Manchester City side on the opening weekend.
Bournemouth team news, focus
Semenyo, David Brooks and Evanilson were excellent at Liverpool and Bournemouth will be unleashing them on the counter time and time again this season. New winger Amine Adli has arrived from Bayer Leverkusen and the Moroccan international should be a perfect fit for their style. Defensively there are concerns as it will take new signings a few weeks to settle in.
OUT: Lewis Cook (knee), Enes Unal (knee) | QUESTIONABLE: Justin Kluivert (calf), Ryan Christie (undisclosed)
Wolves team news, focus
Jorgen Strand Larsen is the main threat up top and Wolves will aim to get plenty of crosses into him. Central midfield and defense looks settled but out wide there are issues and you do worry about Wolves’ lack of goals after Matheus Cunha’s departure. Surely they will make some moves late in the window.
OUT: Leon Chiwone (knee)
Bournemouth vs Wolves prediction
This feels like a pretty straightforward home win, and the Cherries should score early and often. Bournemouth 3-1 Wolves.
