Wolverhampton Wanderers

Wolves manager Gary O'Neil has been speaking to BBC Match of the Day following the win: "It was a good performance. The score-line probably doesn't tell the full story. We were very comfortable for long periods and we probably should have put it to bed.

"We know Luton are a threat from crosses and set-plays, and we had to suffer a nervous few minutes at the end.

"It is amazing the difference having a couple of attackers makes to us. It is the first time since 30 December that we've been able to name Hwang [Hee-chan] and [Matheus] Cunha in the same team. We have had a tough spell without them, although they aren't fully fit at this moment, they are big for the group.

"We have got a talented group, but it's difficult to always be a threat without attackers. We can have the ball, think back to West Ham when we dominated possession, but we can't always make it count without the right attackers.

"There are so many positives from this season. We have improved on the points tally of last year, stabilised the club financially, and I think it is 13 academy players involved in matchday squads."

On the accusations that Wolves have been 'on the beach' in recent games: "They have been motivated in every game. We went to Nottingham Forest, with not too many players available, and we scrapped. We did that against Burnley too.

"We had an off-night on Wednesday, which we don't like, but it happens. We showed what we can do by bouncing back today."

Here are the key facts and figures following Saturday’s game between Wolves and Luton Town in the Premier League.

• Wolves are unbeaten in their past nine league meetings with Luton Town (W5 D4) and they have now won each of their last three home league games against the Hatters, having won just one of their previous six such matches at Molineux.

• Luton have won just one of their last 14 games in the Premier League (D3 L10). Since the start of this run in February, no side has won fewer games in the top four tiers (Rotherham and Sheffield United have also only won one game).

• Wolves have scored 48 goals across 35 Premier League games this term, with the Wanderers last managing more at this stage of a top-flight season in 1972-73 (53 goals after 35 games).

• Matheus Cunha has been directly involved in 18 goals across 29 games in the Premier League this season (11 goals, 7 assists). Only Raul Jimenez has managed more goal involvements in a single campaign for Wolves in the competition (23 in 2019-20 and 20 in 2018-19).

• Carlton Morris has now reached double figures for goals in consecutive league campaigns, after only managing to do so once across his first six seasons in the top four tiers.

Image source, Getty Images

After a run of six league games without victory, Wolves' campaign was starting to fizzle out but they put in a much-improved performance to see off Luton.

Wolves started slowly and there was a feeling that it could be another off day until things started to click after around 20 minutes when Hwang Hee-chan tested Thomas Kaminski.

The South Korea forward made his next opportunity count, albeit with a deflection, to nestle the ball in the far corner shortly before half time.

It was Hwang's first goal since 27 December and helped to swing the momentum firmly in Wolves' favour.

Toti Gomes doubled the lead just five minutes into the second half, scoring a stooping header at the far post to finish a corner routine.

Boubacar Traore, Rayan Ait-Nouri and Nelson Semedo all had chances to put the game to bed as Wolves dominated the second half.

There was a nervous end to the encounter, though, when Carlton Morris volleyed in from six yards with 10 minutes remaining, denying Wolves a first clean sheet since 25 February.

Wolves held on as Luton pushed for an equaliser and Gary O'Neil will hope they can use this performance as a springboard for the final weeks of the season.

Wolves ended a six-game winless run in the Premier League and piled pressure on relegation-threatened Luton with a victory at Molineux.

Hwang Hee-chan scored his first club goal since 27 December to put Wolves in front late in the first half, after both sides had struggled to find a way out of midfield.

The South Korea forward netted with the help of a deflection off defender Teden Mengi just 18 seconds after Carlton Morris was unable to convert Luton's best opportunity of the opening 45 minutes, heading straight at Jose Sa.

Wolves showed intent after the break and it took just five minutes to double their advantage when Toti Gomes found space to head in at the far post.

Gary O'Neil's side dominated the second half with Boubacar Traore, Nelson Semedo and Rayan Ait-Nouri spurning good opportunities to make life even more comfortable.

Morris gave Luton some hope of a grandstand finish when he volleyed in from six yards out, but they couldn't find any further joy.

The win moves Wolves up to 10th and just three points behind eighth-placed West Ham, with Luton remaining 18th and one point shy of safety.

Were you at the match or did you follow it from elsewhere?

Wolves fans - let us know your thoughts on the game here

How did you rate the side's performance, Luton fans?

Follow all of the reaction here

Chris Sutton is making predictions for all 380 Premier League matches again this season, against a variety of guests.

For this weekend's games, he takes on Andy Bell and Steve Queralt from Ride, who support Arsenal and Tottenham.

Sutton's prediction: 3-1

Wolves are in awful form so this might seem like a good fixture for Luton, who are desperate for points. I am not so sure it will work out that way.

I watched the Hatters' lose 5-1 at home to Brentford last week and while they play expansive football which means they carry an attacking threat, it means they are extremely vulnerable at the back.

Luton's approach is to be brave, and I understand that, but the Bees could have scored eight or nine and Wolves are good enough to expose those frailties too.

I said in February that Luton boss Rob Edwards will be manager of the season if he keeps them in the Premier League, and I stand by that - but he is up against it now.

Steve's prediction: 1-2

It's now or never for Luton and this is a real chance for them to make some ground up. They are going to go hell for leather to get an away win.

Andy's prediction: 1-0

I am backing Wolves. I know they are not on a good run but whenever I've seen them this season, they have played really well.

Read the rest of their predictions here

Seven matches make up Saturday's Premier League action and we will bring you every moment.

Follow live text updates and listen online here

BBC Radio 5 Live commentaries:

Manchester United v Burnley - Listen on BBC Sounds from 15:00

Everton v Brentford - Listen on BBC Sounds from 17:30

Gary O'Neil has been speaking to the media before Saturday's Premier League game against Luton.

Here are the key lines from the Wolves boss:

• On injuries in the squad: "Nobody to welcome back, I don't think. We're as we were with the injured players. [Jeanricner] Bellegarde, it's a bit too soon but he did train with the lads today. Pedro [Neto] getting closer but still a bit too soon. Daws [Craig Dawson] has had surgery so nothing until next season and that's it."

• On losing against Bournemouth: "I was critical of us as a group on the day for what we were able to produce and I haven't had to do that many times this season but that was one that fell below the standards that we look to get to. It's probably good for us that we've only got two days between games and we can look to bounce back very quickly against Luton."

• On what can be done to improve VAR: "I'm keen to let the guys get on with it and figure out what is best for the game. There are so many different things that are part of the game and getting the correct decision is obviously important. The enjoyment of the fans is important. There are so many different factors involved in it so me giving my opinion is not really that important."

• O'Neil added: "In terms of discussing VAR decisions, I will discuss things with you guys [the media] openly but on a day where my team underperform and I've been asked about VAR probably 80% of the time, I thought it was really important that we have a focus on ourselves and trying to make sure we get back to what we need to do. Some decisions will go for us, some will go against us and all the way through that, we need to make sure that we're performing well."

• On Wolves' season: "As disappointing as the other night was, *it is important to keep things in context in terms of probably everybody in this room or the channels that you represent, the pundits had us down as being relegated this year. We're nowhere near being relegated this year so we have had a tough run recently but so many positives have come out of this season with the work that has been done by everybody, including the part that the young lads have played. I think it's five league and cup debuts for the academy boys this year, another eight that have made first team matchday squads so it's 13 matchday involvements for academy players this season. We have improved on last season's points total, the numbers produced by the attacking players has improved from last year."

• O'Neil continued: "There are so many things that have gone well this season and although everyone feels down and it's been a tough spell at this moment, I think it is always important that you look at the wider picture. Nobody is thinking about holidays or getting away from here, everyone is still fully focused and really want to make sure that we end the season well."

• On the Wolves fans: "The supporters will be so important for us as they have been the whole way through. We're going to need them again. The atmosphere at Molineux has been probably the most enjoyable factor of this season for me if I'm being honest and I think the last few at home are something that I want to enjoy."

• Follow the rest of Friday's news conferences here

Wolves manager Gary O'Neil is likely to sign a new contract at Molineux, despite reports linking him to the Liverpool job. (GiveMeSport), external

Want more news? Read Friday's full gossip column

Here is a selection of the key facts and figures before Wolves host Luton Town in the Premier League on Saturday (15:00 BST kick-off).

• Wolves are unbeaten in their past eight league games against Luton. This is the first time they have hosted them in a league match since a 1-0 win in August 2006, and the first time in the top flight since a 2-1 defeat in January 1984.

• Luton's past two Premier League games have both ended in 5-1 defeats, against Manchester City and Brentford. The Hatters have never conceded five or more goals in three consecutive league games within the top four tiers of English football.

• Wolves have lost just two of their past 15 Premier League games against promoted sides. They lost 2-1 at Sheffield United earlier this season, but have not lost to two different promoted teams in the same top-flight campaign since 2011-12 (Norwich City and QPR).

• Luton have conceded 75 goals in the Premier League this season – the last team to ship more in their first ever campaign in the competition were Blackpool in 2010-11 (78).

• Carlton Morris is Luton's top scorer in the league this season with nine goals. The last player to reach double figures in their first top-flight campaign with the Hatters was Mick Harford in 1984-85.

We asked for your views on Bournemouth's 1-0 win over Wolves on Wednesday.

Here are some of your answers:

Wolves fans

Mark: Bournemouth gave us a lesson in playing as a team. They were excellent - we were dreadful. Jose Sa stopped it being 6-0. What an utterly disappointing end to an otherwise very good season.

John: Very poor performance. The players didn’t seem interested. Second half was improved but still rubbish. Good job we are safe or we would be in relegation trouble.

Phillip: Absolute rubbish. [Pablo] Sarabia is a total waste of space and would struggle to get in a Sunday morning side. [Max] Kilman makes far too many mistakes so get shot of him. Far too much passing sideways and backwards. A very boring watch.

Stephen: Absolutely shocking, what a terrible squad we have. End of season cannot come soon enough.

Bournemouth fans

Tom: Three points, thank you! I was reminded of that FA Cup match in 1957 which was the same result! Well done all.

Greg: Certainly seeing “Iraola ball” coming to fruition now. The whole team is playing their hearts out and thoroughly deserved the win. So difficult to nominate a man of the match as everyone gave everything. Bill Foley’s vision of European football at Dean Court within five seasons seems more and more reachable.

Robin: Great performance by the Cherries - closing on their best ever season and now in the top half of the Premiership. Terrific first season for Andoni Iraola!

Gary Lineker introduces highlights and analysis from Wednesday night's four Premier League fixtures as well as the goals from Tuesday's game.

If you missed Match of the Day, you can catch up on the action on BBC iPlayer.

Image source, Getty Images

Wolves manager Gary O'Neil, speaking to BBC Match of the Day: "Probably our worst performance, really poor.

"Individually too many were below the level that we've reached in the league this year. Collectively we need to make sure this is not our level. We need to go home and look at what we produced and get back to the level we've been at before.

"We were flat with loads of unforced errors, losing every dual, losing too many balls and turning the ball over so often. The way we want to play, you have to look after the ball better.

"I thought the subs had a good impact and we improved to give it a go in the second half, that was a small positive."

On VAR's decision to disallow Hwang Hee-chan's goal: "I'm not discussing the decision and officials any more. I'm not interested in discussing referees and VAR now.

On trying to end the season strongly: "We need to get players back. You saw when [Matheus] Cunha came on he looked good.

"We need important players to step up and perform. We've been in a tough spot and performances have been good up to this evening. It's probably our worst performance of the season.

On whether VAR needs to be discussed at the end of the season: "It is a big topic. I'm sure there will be a lot of people discussing it.

"I've had enough of discussing it though. It's important today that I look at myself and not at anyone else."

Image source, Getty Images

"Probably our worst performance, really poor."

Wolves manager Gary O'Neil did not hold back after his side slumped to a fourth loss in their last six league outings, having failed to win any games during that sequence.

O'Neil, although he would unlikely openly admit it, would surely have liked to get Wolves' form back on track at the expense of the club that sacked him at the end of last season.

But it was a disappointing performance from start to finish.

Wolves allowed Bournemouth to run the show at Molineux, controlling possession, working the channels and creating chances.

It may have only ended 1-0, thanks to Antoine Semenyo's strike, but it was a very convincing victory.

Wolves are still missing several key players, including the creative outlet of Pedro Neto, but O'Neil highlighted the lack of energy and intensity on show.

The Wolves boss also refused to be drawn on two VAR decisions that ruled out two goals for his side.

Hwang Hee-chan's effort was chalked off after it was deemed Matheus Cunha had fouled Justin Kluivert in the build-up, while Max Kilman's late strike was ruled out for offside.

Both of those calls came either side of a sending off for Bournemouth defender Milos Kerkez, but Wolves were still unable to capitalise as the Cherries hung on for around 20 minutes with 10-men.

The loss sees Wolves drop to 12th and O'Neil will be demanding a huge improvement when they welcome relegation-threatened Luton to Molineux on Saturday.

Here are the key facts and figures from Bournemouth's 1-0 win over Wolves in the Premier League on Wednesday night.

• Bournemouth have won their sixth away game in the Premier League this season, their joint-most victories on the road in a single campaign in the competition, after their debut season in 2015-16 (six).

• Wolves have failed to win any of their past seven matches in all competitions, they last went longer without victory in a single season in November 2016 (nine games).

• Bournemouth have won four of their seven away league games against Wolves (L3), winning consecutive such games for the first time.

• No player had more shots (four) or created more chances (four) in the match than Bournemouth's Ryan Christie, indeed it is his most shot involvements in a Premier League away game (eight).

• Bournemouth's Antoine Semenyo scored his ninth goal in the Premier League, on his 40th appearance in the competition. Indeed, seven of his nine goals have either put the Cherries ahead (five) or levelled their match (two).

• Milos Kerkez received Bournemouth's third red card in the league this season, the Cherries have never had more in a single campaign in the competition.

Antoine Semenyo scored the only goal as 10-man Bournemouth beat Wolves at Molineux to move into the top half of the Premier League table, despite having Milos Kerkez sent off.

Semenyo marked his return to the starting line-up with the opening goal, taking his tally to eight for the season when he slotted in from close range after Wolves failed to clear.

It was no less than the visitors deserved as they employed a positive approach from the outset.

Bournemouth created a plethora of chances with top scorer Dominic Solanke, Alex Scott, Kerkez and Justin Kluivert all testing home keeper Jose Sa, who performed admirably in the face of constant pressure.

The Cherries' profligacy in front of goal looked like it was going to be punished when Hwang Hee-chan looked to have equalised in the second half, but his effort was ruled out after the video assistant referee (VAR) asked on-field official Stuart Attwell to check the pitchside monitor for a foul in the build-up.

Attwell, who was at the centre of a VAR storm after Nottingham Forest's defeat by Everton on Sunday, deemed that Wolves substitute Matheus Cunha had caught Kluivert in the face with a swinging arm in the moments before Nelson Semedo delivered the cross for Hwang.

The game immediately fell back into its original pattern in the aftermath of that incident, with Bournemouth probing without finding any success in the final third, until they were reduced to 10-men for the final 10 minutes of regulation time after Hungary left-back Kerkez was shown a straight red card for a challenge on Matt Doherty.

Andoni Iraola's side hung on throughout the closing stages - including 12 minutes of stoppage time - for a win that moves them up to 10th, two points behind eighth-placed West Ham, while Wolves drop to 12th.

Were you at the match or did you follow it from elsewhere?

Wolves fans - let us know your thoughts on the game here

How did you rate the side's performance, Bournemouth fans?

Follow all of the reaction here

There are four matches being played in the Premier League on Wednesday, and we will bring you every moment.

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Wolves are likely to have a rather stronger side out against Bournemouth later than in some of their recent matches, which will be something of a relief for Gary O'Neil.

The past few weeks have brought Wolves' limited squad size to the fore once again, at a time when thoughts are naturally beginning to turn towards next season.

The consequences of si-game winless run have been limited by their previous healthy form, although they still hurt.

We will never know whether a deeper Wolves squad would have been able to maintain an unexpected challenge for Europe, or hold off Coventry City in the FA Cup quarter-final. But it was hard not to wonder - especially during that semi-final on Sunday.

"I was hoping to tell people about these issues without them being seen," said O’Neil at Tuesday's news conference, where after weeks of counting players out, he was finally able to start counting some of them back.

"It doesn't need me now to explain or tell people the situation we could find ourselves in with the numbers that we have, because we're right there in the midst of it, and hopefully coming out the other end of it.

"It's a tricky situation that we need to learn from. The club will be aware of it because I've spoken to them, and aware of it because they've now seen it.

"If we want to go into Premier League seasons with this small a squad, this is a potential issue. So we either fix that - or we don't and we try to do the same again.

"Those discussions will take place in the summer."

The context is rather different - and O'Neil's tone very different - but his observations are not so far removed from the points Julen Lopetegui raised at the end of last season.

The Spaniard said Wolves would struggle to compete in the Premier League without investing in their squad.

O'Neil has demonstrated they could compete, and talked his players up. Unlike Lopetegui, he does not suggest he wants out if the club do not respond. But his message is cautionary.

"We benefit from the fact we've had such an incredible first three-quarters of the season, and we're now on 43 points.

"I'm sure there wouldn't be quite so much patience and goodwill around if we were on 27 at the moment, and we were having to fight relegation with 10 fit senior outfield players."

Listen to BBC Radio WM commentary of Wolves v Bournemouth at 19:45 BST

And tune in to The West Midlands Football Phone-In at 18:00 on weeknights