Bournemouth claimed their first Premier League victory of the 2025/26 season with a narrow 1-0 triumph over Wolverhampton Wanderers at the Vitality Stadium on Saturday, August 23.
Softfootball reports that Marcus Tavernier’s early strike proved the difference, while Wolves’ afternoon went from bad to worse when Toti Gomes was sent off just after half-time. For the second game running, Bournemouth have not yet handed their young jewel Ben Doak a minute since signing him from Liverpool, but the Cherries wasted little time in settling the contest.
Only four minutes had passed when Tyler Adams broke up play in midfield and slipped a neat pass to Antoine Semenyo. His square ball found Tavernier inside the area, and the winger’s shot took a deflection off Emmanuel Agbadou before creeping past José Sá. It was Tavernier’s first goal since March and a welcome lift for Andoni Iraola’s side after last weekend’s opening defeat.
Speaking to the media after the game, as uploaded by Bournemouth’s official X handle, Manager Andoni Iraola was impressed with his team’s coordination and how the attack spaces.
Watch the video below:
Wolves briefly threatened an equaliser as Marshall Munetsi blazed over from distance, while Jørgen Strand Larsen forced a sharp save from goalkeeper Đorđe Petrović midway through the first half. However, their momentum was stunted when defender Ki-Jana Hoever limped off injured, leaving boss Vítor Pereira frustrated on the touchline.
The visitors’ task became almost impossible moments after the restart. Evanilson broke clear through the middle, only to be hauled down by Toti Gomes, who was shown a straight red card for denying a clear goalscoring opportunity. Reduced to ten men, Wolves struggled to create chances, while Bournemouth controlled possession and managed the game efficiently.
Tyler Adams nearly doubled the lead with a powerful strike that Sá tipped over, and substitute Justin Kluivert twice went close in the closing stages. Despite failing to add a second, Bournemouth never truly looked in danger of letting the points slip away.
The result lifts the Cherries into the top half of the table, while Wolves remain winless and rooted near the bottom after two defeats. Their defensive record is also a growing concern; they have now conceded in nine of their last twelve halves of league football.
For Bournemouth, the win provides a timely boost in confidence. For Wolves, it’s back to the drawing board ahead of a crucial clash with Everton next weekend.
