Match Thread: Wolves v AFC Bournemouth 24.4.24 KO 7.45pm
Plenty of Vitality!
By Ivybridge Wolf April 24 2024
Bournemouth travel up today from the Dorset coast for a 7.45pm KO at Molineux in this rearranged premier league fixture, originally scheduled on 16th March. Bournemouth have recently gained a bit of ground on Wolves in the table, however, have experienced some recent setbacks losing at both Villa and Luton. Wolves form remains rather poor having failed to win at all in our last six fixtures, drawing three and losing three. A Wolves win tonight will extend our league lead over The Cherries to four points and we would leapfrog Brighton into 10th spot, with the Seagulls playing Manchester City tomorrow night. Opportunity knocks …. again!!
As described in the Arsenal match preview, we haven’t not won since March 9th, which is getting on a bit, however the team performed well last Saturday, albeit ending in a 2-0 defeat versus the title chasing opponents. With injuries continuing to limit O’Neil’s team selection, many fans had pre-match concerns versus the Gunners, nevertheless those who played in Old Gold did not let us down with endeavour on the pitch. Ultimately and sadly, we were beat by a better side, though the late goals in both halves were somewhat galling.
Tonight gives Wolves a fresh chance to send the Molineux faithful home happy with an additional opportunity this Saturday too. Since first meeting Bournemouth in the premier league in 2018/19, the teams have played seven times, Wolves winning 4, drawing 2 and losing 1. The single defeat was at Molineux last season with a Tavernier (unavailable today) goal enough to gain all 3 points v Lopetegui’s Wolves. GON manged to gain victory at Dean Court / The Vitality Stadium earlier this season with goals from Cunha and Kalajdzic after Solanke had put Bournemouth into a 17th minute lead. An excellent three points which we hope to repeat, though our defence will likely be busy dealing with Solanke again who is currently on 18 goals for the league season - only currently bettered by Haaland and Palmer (20 each) and Watkins (19). Given their league position, that is a terrific effort from the Cherries striker.
In terms of injuries and returns, reports suggest that Mario Lemina, Sarabia and RAN are all available to start tonight and that Bellegarde could be back in the squad after recovering quicker than expected from his knee injury. Wolves also hope Semedo will be back and GON has stated that Cunha is "doing all he can to be involved" which would be excellent. I am uncertain on the Hwang situation, he ended up playing about 50 minutes v Arsenal and struggled to make any impact, I wonder if he is still restricted in terms of minutes per match? Pre and post injury, and after a great early season, Hwang is having a bit of a barren run.
However the team shapes up tonight, I have optimism we’ll do enough to get Molineux feeling like a fortress again and expunge any possibility of a fourth successive home defeat. The support was most certainly there on Saturday night, I hope the team can respond and equal the excellent noise from the terraces! Perhaps we might even score from outside the box? Statistics state we are the only team in the top five European leagues without scoring from outside the penalty area, but at least we’ve had a go ……. 134 unsuccessful attempts so far …... and counting!!
Enjoy the match, whilst it won’t be televised, just a reminder that there is an excellent radio commentary via the official website which I fully endorse with Mikey Burrows and Thommo describing events. Partisan, yes definitely, but they also aren’t slow in offering comment when things aren’t going quite so well. I’m not on commission by the way!!
Please leave your comments and thoughts about the game below in the match thread in the usual way,
UTW!!
2.25pm 24.4.24
Match Thread: Wolves v AFC Bournemouth 24.4.24 KO 7.45pm
Posted by: Wolves (IP Logged)
Date: 24/04/2024 14:25
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Edited 3 time(s). Last edit at 2024:05:18:20:20:45 by Ivybridge Wolf.
Wolves first effort, excellent left footed drive, well saved by Travers. The corner led to a bit of head tennis then Travers collects again. Better from Wolves
Fabulous save from Sa from Kliuvert, Semedo defending is creaking, he was clean through ….. more pinball on the edge of the Wolves box …… not great at all.
Unbelievably poor effort from the lads. I’d get Semedo off, back to his worst best, and on a yellow. We can’t keep the ball and passing is astray. Th midfield has often been either too far from the track or too far from the defence, depending on circumstances and they are being outplayed. Our defence look like rabbit in the headlights and the movement and pace of the advancing Bournemouth midfield and attack is frightening them to death.
The good news is that we’re only losing 1-0, in part thanks to Sa
Bournemouth were the better side overall, however yet another match which will be remembered for yet another VAR intervention. A superb goal, out of the blue, from Hwang chalked off due to an off the ball incident spotted by the VAR techocrat in the bunker and who ensured the pace of the replay was so ffing slow that Twatwell had no option to agree with his mate.
Even when they were reduced to 10 men, we still couldn’t score a goal.
Overall, a thoroughly disappointing evening for Wolves and one which will could sink our confidence further. The 4th Molineux match in a row we have lost.
To repeat an earlier statement, I absolutely hate VAR
Even if we had scored a legitimate goal it would have been ruled out - we're cursed. I would be top of the prediction league if it wasn't for VAR with the decisions this season, once again cheated tonight. Take note Cheshire
The only football I watch these days involves Wolves. I have supported this club since 1967. Watched my first match live in 1971. Anyone who has read my book knows I am a Wolves nut, some of the best days of my life ( I admit I am very sad ) but VAR has finished me with this sport. I don't care who I upset. Anyone who thinks this pile of@#$%&is any good for the sport shouldn't be walking around without a helmet. Switch it off and consign it to the nearest skip. I am currently writing a history of the club from 1877 onwards. I was going to keep going with it until I pop my clogs but now I will carry on for another three years ( 150th anniversary ) as that is so close. I am now done. VAR has well and truly finished me with football. It has been a pleasure knowing you all although not personally and I would like to pass on to you my very best wishes. God bless and good bye.
This isn't football anymore.
This isn't the game I love anymore.
You can't celebrate goals anymore.
In fact I don't think I want to go anymore.
F**K VAR THANKS FOR KILLING THE ONCE BEAUTIFUL GAME!
TC Andy, I only post on here mainly out of habit and lost interest ages ago due to VAR and other factors which I won't repeat again. It isn't enjoyable or actually a sport any more and a waste of time bothering with.
I agree. However I am going up to Molineux on Saturday with my son and grandson for my annual
visit, so I hope we play better as it's a 12 hour round trip from Billericay, and I'm 80 this year!
Agree with all the comments, the spectacle of a goal being scoring is (has) being completely ruined to satisfy TV and money - all in the name of progress. Andy, if you change your mind, please remember there’s always a home for your great comments here …… but to enjoy football is becoming a challenge. I was at Molineux for the Kilman disallowed header v West Ham. Whilst we waited for the inevitable VAR decision against us, I stood there with such a feeling of disengagement and utterly passive at the whole ffing sh$t show, it was like watching events proceed from a parallel universe.
Having said that, I too am up this weekend v Luton Town and looking forward to the day, so let’s see what happens at 3pm. Glutton for punishment but I had a ticket for last night too, but wisely cashed it in when the date was rearranged. What a relief.
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