AliousWolves secured a crucial Premier League victory over Bournemouth on Saturday, but the match was overshadowed by a major controversy.
The win moved Wolves five points clear of the relegation zone, with Matheus Cunha once again proving decisive. The Brazilian forward netted his 13th goal of the season in the first half, showing impressive skill to lift the ball into the top corner after drifting into the box. His goal-scoring form has been outstanding, with strikes in each of his last four appearances.
However, the most talked-about moment of the game came when Bournemouth’s Illia Zabarnyi was sent off. Initially shown a yellow card for his challenge on Rayan Ait-Nouri, referee Michael Salisbury upgraded it to a red after a VAR review. The Premier League later explained that the decision was due to ‘serious foul play.’
The incident was a key discussion point on *Match of the Day*, where the pundits were united in their belief that the red card was harsh.
Match of the Day* Pundits Slam Zabarnyi’s Dismissal
Zabarnyi’s sending-off in the 31st minute handed Wolves a major advantage, and they capitalized just moments later with Cunha’s goal. However, some felt the decision was overly harsh.
Host Gary Lineker questioned the call, stating, “Huge win for Wolves, but the red card was a big moment. We think it might have been an unnecessary intervention.”
Danny Murphy added, “It’s about understanding the game—knowing when a player is deliberately trying to hurt someone and when it’s just an unfortunate incident. He clearly goes for the ball. His foot bounces off the ball and catches Ait-Nouri higher than intended. His eyes are locked on the ball the entire time.”
Lineker agreed: “There’s no force or malice in it.”
Alan Shearer backed up his colleagues, saying, “The reason he catches him high is because he wins the ball first. The ball then lifts his foot up into Ait-Nouri. That’s why it happens.”
Lineker concluded: “We think it’s a mistake.”
### Pereira’s Influence in Wolves’ Victory
While the controversial red card made Wolves’ task easier, credit must go to manager Vitor Pereira for his tactical approach.
Despite the debate surrounding the sending-off, *Match of the Day* analysts praised Wolves’ intensity, with the wing-backs performing well and Cunha delivering another standout display.
Pereira also demonstrated his in-game management by making a key halftime substitution, replacing Joao Gomes—a lesson learned from a previous match against Arsenal, where Gomes was sent off after being left on too long.
The Wolves boss has remained confident about his side’s survival, and with results like this, fans are beginning to share his belief.
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