Image source, Getty ImagesEverton have lost their past three home league games against Wolves. It is their longest losing home run against the West Midlands side, and as many defeats as they had suffered in their previous 18 against them at Goodison Park (W9 D6).
Image source, Getty ImagesWolves boss Gary O'Neil says Jorgen Strand Larsen is an important part of his Wolves side.
The forward was a silver lining in Wolves' loss to Bournemouth on Saturday, with a brace taking him to six Premier League goals so far this season.
"I think it was one of his best performances for us [against Bournemouth], he looked like a handful," O'Neil said in his latest news conference.
"His numbers are excellent for a new striker to the league. To hit the ground running from Spain is a big plus for us and him. It's not easy to do.
"I saw an improvement in his all round game which is important. His relationship with Matheus [Cunha] and trying to utilise his strengths better.
"I think he's found the jump in physicality difficult against certain centre-backs but I thought he was much better at that against Bournemouth. When we went into him with long balls, he did really well. It was a good performance and we're going to need him."
Asked about the tough fixture demands the festive period will serve up to test the striker, O'Neil said: "He's in a much better spot physically which helps him show more of what he is. I'm pleased for him.
"He's doing much more high-speed running and total distance than he was at his former club. That is the demands of the Premier League. While he wasn't quite at top speed, he was still able to produce big moments for the team. If we can now get both going at the same time, he can really help us."
Josh Lobley
BBC Sport Journalist
Wolves boss Gary O'Neil has been speaking to the media before Wednesday's Premier League game against Everton (kick-off 19:30 GMT).
Here are the key lines from his news conference:
O'Neil confirmed "everyone is OK" and ready for selection against Everton.
He had nothing to say to the fans who are directing frustrations at him: "I don't have a message. I have 90 minutes each week to deliver a message to our supporters. We understand that there will be tough moments and we try to limit them. It's just part and parcel for what we're trying to do."
On Nelson Semedo's yellow card at the weekend, which leaves him suspended for Wednesday's match: "Nelson is adamant that he wasn't clapping sarcastically, but he misses this game. Lads are ready to step in and put in a display that gets us points."
He seemed confident of his future at Molineux: "I have zero concerns around my role and future as a coach. I know every small detail of the situation we're dealing with at the football club. I am very comfortable with my own situation and I don't need it to be discussed."
When asked what went wrong during Saturday's defeat to Bournemouth: "Crazy errors at really key stages in the football match. To give away penalties like that can't happen in the Premier League. Bournemouth didn't do too much else really. All of the good phases we produced were forgotten. A real disappointment."
On Jorgen Strand Larsen, who scored a brace last time out: "He looked like a handful. His numbers are excellent for a new striker to the league. To hit the ground running is a big plus for us. It's not easy to do."
Follow all of Tuesday's Premier League news conferences and the rest of the day's football news
Dazzling Dave
Fan writer
Image source, Getty ImagesWolves' performance against Bournemouth was a sobering reality check, undoing the optimism sparked by last week’s promising game. Despite having a squad with considerable talent, there is no excuse for Gary O’Neil to find himself in this precarious position with the resources at his disposal.
The contrast between the two sides was stark. Bournemouth executed their game plan with speed, precision, and cohesion. Wolves, on the other hand, looked lethargic, fragmented, and reliant on moments of individual brilliance. While Bournemouth looked like a well-coached side, Wolves appeared to lack strategic direction. The root cause of Wolves' struggles might not be immediately apparent, but the symptoms—disorganisation, uncertainty, and fragility—are impossible to ignore.
The match showcased a colossal lapse in discipline, with three penalties conceded. Such incidents are not just costly but unacceptable in professional football. While the penalties were undeniably clear-cut, they resulted from avoidable errors that exposed a lack of composure, defensive awareness, and accountability.
These errors are no longer isolated incidents; they are a recurring theme. The consistency of individual mistakes is alarming and suggests deeper issues related to coaching and morale.
Maybe O’Neil overthinks and complicates his tactics, creating confusion and uncertainty on the pitch. Footballers thrive on clarity and confidence. Instead of playing instinctively and fluidly, players become overly cautious, afraid of making mistakes within a system they don’t fully trust or understand.
Signs of discord are mounting. A heated exchange between Jose Sa and a couple of fans in the South Bank reflects the frustration bubbling over, while players bypassing O’Neil’s handshake as they head down the tunnel demonstrates growing tensions.
Wolves desperately need an identity, a defined system of play that suits the squad’s strengths, and a consistent approach that restores defensive stability. Without this, their Premier League future remains in serious jeopardy.
The spotlight is firmly fixed on O’Neil and the board.
Find more from Dazzling Dave at Always Wolves, external
Image source, Getty ImagesWolves have been drawn to play Bristol City in the FA Cup third round at Ashton Gate.
The tie will take place between 9-13 January.
Image source, Getty ImagesWe asked for your thoughts after Saturday's Premier League game between Wolves and Bournemouth.
Here are some of your comments:
Wolves fans
Johnny: Absolutely disgraceful. Jose Sa should not be paid for that performance. Everyone is blaming Gary O'Neil but, let's face it, the players out there constantly gave the ball away. Wolves will be relegated come the end of the season - and deservedly so. Matheus Cunha, Rayan Ait-Nouri and Jorgen Strand Larsen will be gone in January. The club is on a downward spiral.
Tony: Looks like the Championship beckons with such schoolboy errors. I don't think a change of manager will make the slightest difference, if Wolves continue displaying such errors. I assume Sa wants away from Wolves with that display.
Philip: Dreadful performance. Our defence this season is a disaster and Gary O'Neil has to take full responsibility for not sorting this out. We were giving the ball away far too often, as per usual, and a useless final 20 minutes of capitulation and defeatism. It is a mess, with no discernible pattern of play. We need a more experienced coach at this level, and fast.
Nathan: Clumsy at the back again and Sa had a shocker! Three penalties is unacceptable. We are OK going forward but we must fix the problems at the back!
Bournemouth fans
Greg: So pleased to finally be performing against a side we should be beating. Bournemouth always seem to struggle against sides lower in the table. Evanilson is starting to show some real class in the press and he is giving defenders problems. A big team performance, playing Iraola-ball with high energy.
Charl: Bournemouth were impressive throughout the whole team, especially the midfield. Ryan Christie was outstanding, David Brooks was very near to his previous best and Tyler Adams is immense. Special praise must go to Evanilson - he never gave up and he battled for every ball, causing Wolves so many problems. Magic.
James: Evanilson may not be scoring prolifically, but his work rate is superb and it was Wolves' inability to handle him that earned them the penalties which were calmly despatched by father-to-be Justin Kluivert. His historic hat-trick of penalties will be what is remembered from this match, but sadly Christie's masterclass in midfield will largely be overlooked.
Wolves forward Fabio Silva, who is on loan at Las Palmas, is being eyed by Bournemouth, Brentford and Southampton. (Fichajes - in Spanish), external
Want more transfer stories? Read Monday's full gossip column
Image source, Getty ImagesIt is one of the most eagerly anticipated dates in the football calendar as Premier League and Championship clubs join the FA Cup action from round three.
The draw will take place on Monday, 2 December from 19:00 GMT and can be watched live on BBC Two and BBC iPlayer.
Gary Lineker introduces highlights and analysis from Saturday's five Premier League fixtures, plus the best of the action from Friday's game between Brighton and Southampton.
If you missed Match of the Day, you can catch up now on BBC iPlayer.
Listen back to full match commentaries on BBC Sounds:
Michael Emons
BBC Sport journalist at Molineux
Image source, ReutersJose Sa was involved in an altercation with a fan at half-time of Wolves 4-2 loss to Bournemouth
Wolves had come into this match on an unbeaten run of four matches and having gained their best win of the season, a 4-1 success at Fulham a week ago.
But their momentum came to an abrupt halt with a terribly poor performance as they lost 4-2 at home to Bournemouth.
It was also a day to forget for home goalkeeper Jose Sa, who conceded two of the three penalties, all of which were scored by Justin Kluivert as he became the first man since the 1950s to score a hat-trick of penalties in an English top-flight game.
Sa was also involved in an ugly altercation with a home fan at half-time, an incident that led to two supporters be ejected from the stand by the stewards.
The result dropped Gary O'Neil's side back into the relegation zone and put the pressure back on to the boss, with the side booed off at the final whistle.
Some fans also joined in with taunting chants aimed at O'Neil, which had been sung by Bournemouth fans - the side O'Neil was in charge of previously.
Image source, Getty ImagesWolves defender Nelson Semedo, who has now picked up five yellow cards and will be suspended for his side's next match, has been speaking to Premier League Productions: "We weren't hungry enough. We lost all of our duals and we weren't good enough.
"They pressed really well, but we knew that [they would]. We were prepared for that, but it didn't go the way we wanted.
"The way I got the yellow card, I was really mad with the referee. I saw him pointing and I thought it was a goal kick, so I was just clapping for his decision. Suddenly, he gave me a yellow card and he didn't even let me try to explain to him.
"I knew I already had a yellow card, that wouldn't change, but I wanted to say to him: 'No I'm not clapping because you say it's a penalty or whatever. No, it is just because I thought it was a goal kick, that's why'.
"I'm not that sort of player. I know I'm on four yellow cards so I wouldn't do that if I was on four yellow cards."
Image source, Getty ImagesWolves striker Jorgen Strand Larsen has been speaking to BBC Sport after the defeat: "Not what we expected before the game. We are in good form and I thought we are better than what we showed today, but that's football. There will be setbacks when you don't expect them.
"The game was ruined after 18 minutes - and that is a shame. We believed though and we came back. We had the momentum but, in a few minutes, it is dead again.
"But we have a new match on Wednesday. We have to learn a lot but I would rather have one game with three or four mistakes than spreading them out and losing many games.
"The last five or six games have been really good. We create chances and score some good goals.
"We are a really good team and I believe this will turn around."
Image source, Getty ImagesWolves manager Gary O'Neil has been speaking to BBC Match of the Day following the home defeat: "Incredibly disappointing and self-inflicted. Some crazy errors there, especially early in the game. It is disappointing. The lads are equally disappointed.
"We need to turn our attentions quickly to Wednesday, with a big test against Everton.
"Bournemouth ask you certain questions and unfortunately we didn't find enough answers. Their first goal was from a channel ball, which we worked on for ages, and we didn't deal with it.
"Crazy, crazy penalties to give away. We have to write those off because you can't win games if you concede goals like that. Any error as big as those, at this level, is going to be tough to bounce back from.
"We have given ourselves a mountain to climb, which we haven't done in the last four games.
"We were well-prepped and knew exactly what would happen. Two back passes - crazy back passes. There was no need to play it back at that point, we could have played it forward.
"The [penalty] decisions looked pretty conclusive live."
Were you at the game or following from elsewhere?
Have your say on Wolves' performance, external
How did Bournemouth play, Cherries fans?, external
Come back to this page on Monday to find a selection of your replies
Five matches make up Saturday's Premier League action, and we will bring you every moment.
Brentford v Leicester
Nottingham Forest v Ipswich
Wolves v Bournemouth
Kick-offs 15:00 GMT unless stated
Chris Sutton is making predictions for all 380 Premier League games this season, against a variety of guests.
For week 13, he takes on boxer Sunny Edwards who is a Chelsea fan.
Sutton's prediction: 2-2
Fair play to Wolves boss Gary O'Neil for his side's run of form. They are on a gentler run of fixtures now, after such a tough start to the season, and with two wins and two draws from their past four games it looks like they have turned the corner.
Even so, it is fair to say I did not see Wolves' big win at Fulham coming, but Matheus Cunha is on fire at the moment and will take some stopping here.
I don't think Bournemouth will keep Wolves out but they always create plenty of opportunities themselves. They were unlucky to lose to Brighton last time out, and it was a similar story against Brentford as well.
I am expecting goals in this game too, but this time the Cherries will get a battling point.
Edwards' prediction: 3-1
I always thought Wolves were better than the league table suggested.
For teams down at the bottom, some have that player who can save them and others are missing that talisman.
Wolves have got Matheus Cunha. If they can really get him firing, we saw last season how important he was to the team. The goal at Fulham at the weekend was one that affected that result. If Gary O'Neil can get him back to his best, he could be their potential saviour this season.
On the other hand, I do not think Southampton have that player. They relied heavily on Adam Armstrong in the Championship for goals, but I do not think he brings the same qualities we saw last season when he was able to get a consistent run of goals. Yes, Southampton are a great possession-based team but they do not have that player that will get 20 goals.
With Ipswich, they have got Liam Delap with all his attributes and they also have Omari Hutchinson too who can contribute towards the goalscoring the team needs.
When I look at Everton, I do not see them having that talisman, that player that is going to get you the goals, but as a team they have a knowhow in the Premier League. That is so important when you are fighting at the bottom. That is what Everton collectively as a team and boss Sean Dyche know how to do.
Crystal Palace have got Jean-Phillippe Mateta, they have got Eddie Nketiah, there is Ebere Eze too if they can keep him fit, so I am not worried for them. They have got a lot of injuries which has not helped and they lost two key players in the summer, but I think they have enough. If they can get players back fit, they can go on a run again like we saw at the end of last season.
And then there is Leicester. They have only really got Jamie Vardy who is ageing but does know how to score goals in the Premier League. They are struggling and I feel out of the teams battling relegation, it is Leicester and Southampton who have not got a talisman that can save them.
Fara Williams was speaking to BBC Sport's Nicola Pearson
Image source, Getty ImagesWolves head coach Gary O'Neil said he is "really pleased with the progression" made by versatile defender Toti Gomes, who was Wolves' only fit recognised centre-back for last weekend's impressive 4-1 win at Fulham.
Toti mainly played rugby during his childhood and only seriously got into football during his teenage years, but now the 25-year-old is a regular starter for the Premier League club and made his senior debut for Portugal last season.
"He had the physical attributes to allow him to play at Premier League level, no doubt. He was quick enough and strong enough," said O'Neil.
"We had to work on some of his understanding of defending, how to defend some spaces - and we're still working hard on that stuff. And the big thing was trying to get him to a better level with the ball - not technically, because technically he's capable - but just trying to give him better pictures that were clearer for him and give him a better understanding.
"The real trump card Toti has is that everything you give him, he will literally keep trying until you blow the whistle and tell him to go. He'll keep doing it for as long as he can and he'll keep trying to get better.
"He's a great lad to have in the group, the lads and the coaching staff love him. He's one of those guys you root for.
"When you see him doing well, because of the journey he's been on, you are really pleased for him. If he has a bad game, everyone is really disappointed for him because we know how hard he's worked and how well he wants to do.
"He gets a lot of support, as do all of the players. I support all of them with everything I have to try to get them into a place where they feel comfortable to be able to perform, but they still feel enough of that pressure that they know they need to [perform well]. Hopefully we're in that sweet spot at the moment."
Phil Cartwright
BBC Sport journalist
Wolves boss Gary O'Neil has been speaking to the media before Saturday's Premier League game against Bournemouth (kick-off 15:00 GMT).
Here are the key lines from his news conference:
Pablo Sarabia, Craig Dawson and Santiago Bueno are all available after missing the win at Fulham through injury. O'Neil also expects goalkeeper Sam Johnstone to be part of the matchday squad.
Captain Mario Lemina impressed at centre-back alongside Toti Gomes at Fulham, with Dawson and Bueno absent. "I think he can play there. It was a decent discovery for us, with the injury to Yerson Mosquera and some other factors that have led to us being a little bit short in that area. To be as good as he was in a centre-back partnership of just two was very impressive."
O'Neil has "zero concerns" about in-form forward Matheus Cunha potentially being a target for other clubs in January. Asked if there was a scenario when an answer to an enquiry would be anything but 'no', O'Neil replied: "Matheus won't leave in January, definitely not."
On Bournemouth: "They'll be a tough test. They press the most in the league, they're incredibly direct and play a lot of long balls. They play forward and test your resilience. We're four unbeaten but desperate to make it five."
O'Neil spoke about the importance of a strong team environment at the club: "Myself and Matt [Hobbs, sporting director] discuss it a lot and one of the first things I said is that every signing we make needs to fit the culture. I spoke about playing for Wolves when I first arrived - you have to earn the right to wear the shirt. It's a big club and supporters spend a lot of money, time and energy giving everything to support the club."
He continued: "To just have people pulling the shirt on because they're here doesn't sit right with me. We are trying to make sure that every signing we make has quality, is a really good person, is able to work and be pushed, and can fit into what we've already built."
Follow all of Friday's Premier League news conferences and the rest of the day's football news
