Wolverhampton Wanderers

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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.

All kick-off times BST

Follow live text updates here

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

Image source, Wolves via Getty Images

Former Wolves striker John Richards has been named as a vice-president of the Premier League club.

Richards, 73, scored 194 goals in his 14 years as a player at Wolves, including the winner in the club's 1974 League Cup final victory over Manchester City at Wembley.

He was Wolves' all-time leading goalscorer until his tally was surpassed by Steve Bull in 1992.

Richards, who later held roles as a director and managing director at Molineux and is chairman of the club's Former Players' Association, joins Bull and music legend Robert Plant as vice-presidents.

Chris Sutton is making predictions for every Premier League game this season against a variety of guests.

For this week's matches on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, he takes on actor Zack Morris, star of new thriller film Jericho Ridge.

Sutton's prediction: 1-1

This is a big game for Wolves manager Gary O'Neil, who again will be desperate to beat the side who sacked him in the summer.

Wolves won when they met on the south coast in October but back then Bournemouth had not got going under new boss Andoni Iraola, and were still waiting for their first league win.

This time it is Wolves who are short of form, and they have not won any of their five league games since being knocked out of the FA Cup by Coventry.

The Cherries have not won in three games either but their performances have still been pretty solid and I can see them getting something here - this game has got a draw written all over it.

Morris' prediction: 0-2

You can read the rest of the predictions here

Wolves manager Gary O’Neil was speaking to the media before Wednesday’s Premier League game with Bournemouth.

Here are the headlines.

• On Nottingham Forest’s X statement about their concerns surrounding officials and decisions: “It’s not for me to comment or tell Nottingham Forest how to handle their business. They can deal with their situations how they see fit and us as a club will decide how best to handle ours. In the main we have handled them well this season. There were frustrations around the recent West Ham one but apart from that we have handled them in a professional and respectful way."

• O'Neil continued: "Everyone is more than slightly frustrated, possibly, with VAR and officiating. I don’t want to sit here and criticise people and decisions, I’ve had my say on my own decisions and what can and can’t be better. It’s been in the spotlight this weekend with the very tight Coventry one, the Forest ones."

• Speaking about VAR, O'Neil said: “The technology doesn’t seem to have cleared things up as we hoped it would. I doubt very much they are considering removing it. I do think at a stage we’re at it’s a definite consideration. I’ve never been in that camp, I’ve always thought VAR would be a big benefit to the game. Maybe it hasn’t been as much of a benefit as much as I expected."

• On any thoughts on showing former club Bournemouth what they are missing: “Not at all. Zero. If you did that in football you’d constantly be competing with teams and people you left behind. You move on all the time. I'm pleased they are doing well and I think the whole football club has progressed fantastically well. If you look at the net spend, they are the fifth highest spenders in the league in the last two windows. We are in similar positions in the league but different situations. I’m fully focused on our situation.”

• He continued: “I had an opportunity I enjoyed, a tough opportunity, people see Bournemouth as giving me a first shot at it. I was given an incredibly difficult task, the team had just lost 16-0 on aggregate over last three games. I managed to make a decent go of it, hence my opportunity at a big club like Wolves.”

• Speaking about stopping Wolves' season from ending poorly, O'Neil added: “It doesn’t just stop in the summer, these five games are a continuation on what we can do. It’s very difficult at the moment with the players we have out but there’s still lots to learn from that. We were willing to give everything against Arsenal at home and the performance showed there are no thoughts of people going on holiday. We’re still working to be the best team possible.”

• Nelson Semedo could return from a calf injury, Matheus Cunha (calf) is still a doubt while Jean-Ricner Bellegarde is close to a return from a knee injury. O'Neil said: “I wouldn’t declare them fit yet but some have the opportunity. Nelson is looking better, Matheus Cunha is doing all he can to be involved. Bellegarde has had a good week and is doing much better. We’re going to look at them again on Wednesday.”

Wolves host Bournemouth in the Premier League on Wednesday and here is a selection of key stats before they meet.

• Wolves have already completed the Premier League double over Chelsea, Everton and Tottenham Hotspur this season, and beat Bournemouth 2-1 in the reverse fixture in October. Only in 2019-20 (5), 2020-21 (4) and 2021-22 (4) have they done the double over 4+ opponents in the competition.

• Bournemouth have won five of their past six midweek (Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday) Premier League matches (D1), keeping four clean sheets in that run. The Cherries had been winless in nine such games before this (D2 L7).

• In all competitions, Wolves are winless in six games (D2 L4), this after having won four of their previous five beforehand. Wolves last went longer without a win within a season when they failed to win their final seven matches of the 2021-22 campaign under Bruno Lage.

• Bournemouth have lost five Premier League matches when they’ve netted the opening goal this season –only Brentford (six) have lost more. The Cherries have dropped 27 points from winning positions, with again only Brentford dropping more (30).

• Ryan Christie has created 43 chances for Bournemouth in the Premier League – the only player to create more in a campaign in the competition for the Cherries is Ryan Fraser, in 2018-19 (93) and 2019-20 (45).

Gary O’Neil stated that Saturday's defeat by Arsenal was "one of his favourite" performances this season.

While I echo his thoughts, I am still somewhat frustrated at what could have been this season - and it is evident O'Neil feels the same.

Wolves' threadbare squad gave everything against the Gunners and fans recognised that as Molineux was rocking from minute one.

There was an immense sense of pride beaming around the ground for the playing squad but supporters are still frustrated at the depth O'Neil has been left with.

Wolves had been unfortunate with injuries in the second half of the season - as have other teams - but O’Neil's forward line has been completely decimated for weeks.

Sady, this was all too predictable. The head coach pleaded for attacking additions in January and ended up with two fewer forwards than he started with.

Wolves' season looks to be over when European qualification was a real possibility just one month ago.

What could have been.

Matt Cooper can be found at Talking Wolves, external

Image source, Getty Images

Monday, 22 April marks Earth Day - a day in the international calendar that provides the opportunity to reflect, make change and understand more about sustainability and the impacts of climate change.

Sport and football are not immune to these issues and there has been increasing awareness of their relationship to the environment over the past few years.

Football has a global footprint and, as it continues to grow, it has been subject to questions and criticism over some of the decisions that could hinder efforts in reducing its impact, including expanding Uefa cup competitions and the men's Fifa World Cup.

The effects of adverse weather related to climate change has been increasingly felt, with a study last year showing extreme weather has affected 40% of football players and spectators.

But, football and its fanbase also have an opportunity to be part of the solution, with clubs like Forest Green Rovers showing how the sport's environmental footprint can be reduced.

We have taken a look into some of the key things Wolves are doing to become more sustainable:

• The club launched their 'One Pack, One Planet' environmental sustainability programme, which outlines their commitments to becoming more sustainable.

• They are a signatory to UN Sports for Climate Action Framework with targets of 50% emissions reduction by 2030 and net zero by 2040.

• The club provide a 'Wolves Journey Planner' in partnership with an app that helps fans plan their journey via public transport, shared travel and active transport.

• They offer plant-based options on concourse and hospitality menus, with reduced meat content in products, red meat sourced locally (UK) and seasonally sourced menus.

• A number of initiatives have been put in place to improve biodiversity at the training ground and they recently signed up to the Hedgehog Friendly Football League.

One important area all Premier League clubs can address to reduce their carbon footprint is their travel, as shown in BBC Sport research.

Why is this important?

Football For Future is a non-profit organisation working with stakeholders across football to create a more environmentally sustainable culture and founder Elliot Arthur-Worsop told BBC Sport: "Climate change will be the defining challenge of our generation, and the future of football will be affected too.

"We're already seeing the impacts, with more than 120,000 English grassroots games being called off annually, and major tournaments such as the World Cup and Afcon being moved because of extreme weather.

"Beyond the pitch, the climate crisis threatens livelihoods and global food and water security.

"With its unparalleled social influence, football has an opportunity to inspire global climate action, from micro-behaviours to essential policy change."

What would you like to see your club do more (or less) of to be greener?

We asked for your views on Wolves' defeat by Arsenal on Saturday.

Here are some of your answers:

Wolves fans

Kieran: Good performance despite all the injuries we have. We need players back. Bit of a bad run of form but I know we can win if we got some players back. On to and the next one and come on, you Wolves.

Philip: Wolves have a Championship squad of players surviving in the Premier League. Gary O Neil is a miracle worker and every Wolves supporter should be proud of his and the players' achievements.

Mike: To only lose 2-0 against Arsenal with our woefully small squad is OK, but we have to strengthen for next season or we will start losing by more to the ‘ordinary’ teams and could be relegation fodder.

Arsenal fans

Brian: Not impressed with the performance or the result. Can do better, must do better to win the Premier League.

Naru: We looked tired and leggy but managed to secure a win against a difficult side. Sometimes we need an ugly win and this result will boost team spirit, in addition, another clean sheet at an away match. Great result.

Tim: Very efficient performance. Another clean sheet and three points away from home. Cannot ask for a lot more after a busy week.

Image source, Getty Images

Former Leeds United manager Simon Grayson believes both Mikel Arteta and Gary O'Neil will be happy with their sides' respective performances in Saturday's 2-0 win for Arsenal at Molineux.

The Gunners returned to the top of the Premier League but were made to work by a Wolves side ravaged by injuries.

"Arsenal showed a lot of mental strength," Grayson told BBC Radio 5 Live's Football Daily podcast.

"They could have had a harder fixture with how depleted Wolves were with the injury situation, but Wolves played really well.

"They were good out of possession, on the counter-attack and defended the 18-yard box well.

"Arsenal just scored at the right time. They took the wind out of the sails of Wolves two minutes before half-time. Then, in the second half, they really upped the ante.

"It felt inevitable it would be 2-0 very soon but Wolves withstood that and created one or two half opportunities and got into some good positions without really working David Raya. Then Arsenal hit them on the counter and put the game to bed.

"Arsenal will be happy and relieved. On the other side of it, Gary O'Neil will be really happy with Wolves' performance and the heart, spirit and desire his team showed."

Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds

Gary Lineker introduces highlights and analysis from Saturday's three Premier League fixtures.

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

And you can watch highlights of Sunday's games here

Listen back to Saturday's BBC Radio 5 Live match commentary in full:

Luton Town 1-5 Brentford

Wolves are considering 25-year-old Arsenal and England goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale, Liverpool's Republic of Ireland international Caoimhin Kelleher, 25, and Sunderland's Anthony Patterson, 23, as replacements for Jose Sa, who might leave Molineux this summer. (Sun), external

Manchester City face competition from Arsenal and Liverpool to sign Wolves left-back Rayan Ait-Nouri. (Mirror), external

Want more transfer news? Read Monday's full gossip column

Gary O'Neil, spoke to BBC Match of the Day after Wolves' defeat against Arsenal: "It's not often you are pleased and proud after a defeat but in our current situation, to produce energy and fight like that was an incredible effort.

"The negative would be the second goal. The lads didn't deserve to lose 2-0.

"We had a bench full of kids and even the ones we consider as senior players, Toti, Joao [Gomes] and Boubacar [Traore], haven't got a lot of experience, Tommy Doyle has probably only made 10 Premier League appearances.

"It's an incredibly young team and squad that gave one of the best teams in the country and run for their money."

On togetherness in the squad: "We need to keep it that way but we need quality players back to so we can have a lift. A few aren't that far away from returning."

On trying to finish strongly: "We are trying. If you'd told me at the start of the season that we'd be on 43 points with six games to go and no relegation concerns, I'd have taken it.

"We are short in this squad, we don't have many more injuries than other teams but we only start with 19 players in the squad. The injuries don't sound much but when it's a small group then it makes a difference."

On 15-year-old Wesley Okoduwa being named on the bench: "I was disappointed he didn't get on but we were pushing hard. He's trained really well though so I'm sure we'll see him soon."

Image source, Getty Images

These are tough times for Gary O'Neil and his players.

Injuries are biting deep, as O'Neil has emphasised, and it is impacting on performances and results.

All this is well known and O'Neil can only hope owners Fosun cut him some slack and assess his work this season on limited pre-season expectations rather than dreams of Europe that took hold at the turn of the year.

In the unforgiving Premier League environment, you have to search for positives at times like this.

Tonight they come from the performance of his defence, skipper Maximilian Kilman and central defensive partner Toti.

At a time when goals are hard to come by, the pair give Wolves a chance by remaining solid.

And for that, O'Neil can be thankful.

• Wolves have lost each of their past six Premier League games against Arsenal, only against Liverpool between January 2011 and May 2022 (11 games) have they suffered a longer run of successive defeats against a side.

• Arsenal have now kept a clean sheet in each of their past six Premier League away games, only Chelsea in December 2008 and Manchester United in February 2009 (both 7) have enjoyed longer such runs in the competition’s history.

• Wolves have lost four of their past six Premier League games at Molineux (W2), while overall, they’re without a win in five games (D2 L3) – it’s their longest such run within a season of the competition since November 2022 (D1 L4).

• Arsenal have won 11 of their 13 Premier League games in 2024 (D1 L1), while they’ve opened the scoring in 25 different top-flight matches this term, last doing so more often in 2004-05 (30).

• Arsenal have recorded 15 clean sheets in the Premier League this season, at least five more than any other side, while it’s their most in a campaign since 2015-16 (18).

• Since the start of last season, only Erling Haaland (27), Mohamed Salah (26) and Ollie Watkins (24) have been involved in more Premier League goals away from home than Arsenal’s Martin Odegaard (23 – 14 goals, 9 assists). Indeed, his goal was his 50th goal involvement (31 goals, 19 assists).

Arsenal put their Champions League disappointment firmly in the past to beat Wolves at Molineux and move back to the top of the Premier League.

Having blown their chance to leapfrog Pep Guardiola's side six days ago by losing at home to Aston Villa, then been knocked out of the Champions League by Bayern Munich on Wednesday, it was a welcome triumph for Mikel Arteta's men.

Leandro Trossard's strike in the last minute of the opening period may not have been the most eye-catching of the Belgian's career but it was perfectly timed.

It came at the end of a half where Arsenal seemed to have got stuck after a bright start and nearly fell behind to Gary O'Neil's injury-ravaged side.

The visitors dominated the second half too but were unable to carve out the clear chances that would have allowed them to take the game out of reach.

Captain Martin Odegaard added the second deep into stoppage time at the end of the game, turning in from a tight angle after his initial cross had been blocked.

The result means Arsenal are now a point clear of City, with a better goal difference but having played a game more.

They have the chance to apply some significant pressure to the defending champions when they entertain beaten FA Cup semi-finalists Chelsea on Tuesday.

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, Arsenal fans?

Follow all of the reaction here

The team news is in for Wolverhampton Wanderers v Arsenal in the Premier League, with less than half an hour to go until kick-off at Molineux.

Follow all the build-up and live text updates here