Alious**John Taras Reviews Wolves’ FA Cup Heartbreak Against Bournemouth**
### **Team Selection and Recent Form**
Wolves made five changes to their lineup, with Johnstone, Semedo, Djiga, Bueno, Toti, Aït-Nouri, J. Gomes, Bellegarde, Sarabia, Cunha, and Larsen starting. Just a week ago, they secured a 1-0 win, but their momentum faltered with a 2-1 home loss to Fulham.
Their FA Cup fifth-round clash against Bournemouth had to be decided on the night, with extra time and penalties if necessary.
### **First Half: Wolves Struggle Under Pressure**
Bournemouth wasted no time imposing themselves, fouling Cunha within the first minute and pressing aggressively. Their relentless high press unsettled Wolves, with Johnstone forced into rushed clearances. Bournemouth dominated possession, while Wolves struggled to clear their lines and were repeatedly fouled with little intervention from the referee. In contrast, Gomes found himself in the book for a minor challenge.
Bournemouth’s pressure paid off in the 31st minute when Evanilson tapped in after Johnstone parried a shot from the dangerous Semenyo. They thought they had doubled their lead on 40 minutes, but VAR intervened. After an agonizing eight-minute check, the goal was ruled out for offside, with fans voicing frustration over the delays. Another Bournemouth goal was also chalked off, though the reason—offside or handball—remained unclear.
Despite their struggles, Wolves went into halftime trailing just 1-0.
### **Second Half: Cunha’s Wonder Strike Sparks Hope**
The second half followed a familiar pattern, with Bournemouth attacking and Wolves defending desperately. However, in the 60th minute, Cunha produced a moment of magic, unleashing a 30-yard thunderbolt into the top corner, giving Kepa no chance and leveling the score.
Wolves failed to build on the momentum, though, as Bournemouth continued their aggressive play. Manager Vítor made substitutions, bringing on Munetsi, Andre, and Doherty to freshen things up. Bournemouth’s Huijsen, who should have received a second yellow earlier, was finally booked for a reckless foul on Cunha. Yet, in a baffling decision, Aït-Nouri was booked in the 85th minute for delaying a throw-in.
Late on, Traoré replaced Djiga, but Wolves lacked the attacking threat needed to snatch a winner. Bournemouth came close, forcing Johnstone into two excellent saves to keep the score level at full-time.
### **Extra Time: Bournemouth Dominate, Cunha Sees Red**
The additional 30 minutes saw relentless Bournemouth attacks, with Johnstone producing two world-class saves to deny headers from close range. Wolves, on the other hand, posed no attacking threat.
Then, in the 119th minute, disaster struck. Frustrated after enduring constant fouls throughout the match, Cunha lost his composure and lashed out at Kerkez, earning a straight red card. His reaction caused chaos, as teammates attempted to usher him off the pitch, but he left in a furious manner. With Wolves down to 10 men, they barely survived to reach penalties.
### **Penalty Shootout: Wolves Let Victory Slip Away**
Wolves took the first penalty, with both teams converting their opening four spot-kicks. The turning point came when Huijsen, who should have been sent off earlier, missed Bournemouth’s first attempt, giving Wolves a 4-3 lead.
Matt Doherty stepped up with the chance to send Wolves through but dragged his shot wide. Bournemouth equalized at 4-4 before Boubacar Traoré struck the underside of the bar, missing his attempt. Luis Sinisterra then calmly slotted home the winning penalty, sealing Bournemouth’s place in the quarter-finals.
### **Final Thoughts: Wolves’ Cup Dream Ends in Heartache**
Wolves had the chance to win but couldn’t capitalize. Bournemouth were the better side, applying consistent pressure and testing Johnstone repeatedly. Wolves, missing Agbadou in defense, struggled to contain Bournemouth’s attacks.
However, the biggest disappointment came in attack, where Wolves failed to trouble Kepa beyond Cunha’s wonder strike. The red card incident further compounded their misery. Cunha’s loss of discipline cost Wolves dearly, not just in the match but for the future. Having already served a ban for an incident against Ipswich, he now faces a likely lengthy suspension, leaving Wolves without their talisman for crucial upcoming games.
With FA Cup hopes dashed, Wolves must now regroup and turn their focus to survival, starting with a tough Premier League clash against Everton next week.
Alious
