Justin Kluivert became the first player in Premier League history to score a hat-trick consisting of just penalties as Bournemouth secured a manic win against Wolverhampton Wanderers.
The bubble of Wolves’ four-game unbeaten run was quickly burst in the first half as Gary O’Neil’s side conceded three goals in the opening 16 minutes of the game.
Toti Gomes bundled Evanilson over in the penalty area after just 58 seconds. The penalty was converted by Kluivert, before Jorgen Strand Larsen headed home the equaliser two minutes later.
The celebrations did not last long. Marcus Tavernier dished the ball to the overlapping Milos Kerkez on the left, who then rifled his shot past Jose Sa to make it 2-1 after just eight minutes.
Kluivert extended the lead with his second of the game – another from the penalty spot – after Evanilson was kicked by Sa having robbed the keeper of possession in his own area.
Boos rang around the Molineux when the half-time whistle did eventually arrive. The Wolves keeper was spotted entering the stands and arguing with fans before being dragged away by goalkeeping coach Neil Cutler.
The hostile atmosphere was temporarily relieved by Strand Larsen adding his second of the day but any hopes of a result quickly dispersed after Sa was called for another foul on Evanilson inside the area.
Kluivert stepped up and became the first player in Premier League history to score a hat-trick of penalties in a single match.
Wolves suffered their eighth league defeat of the season and dropped into the bottom three to compound their misery.
Wolves woes continue
Sky Sports’ Patrick Rowe:
It was a disastrous afternoon for Wolves and O’Neil against his former side.
Four games unbeaten and back-to-back wins was a promising foundation for the hosts to build on in this fixture – but their defensive woes reared their ugly head again.
Jorgen Strand Larsen heads in Wolves’ equaliser against Bournemouth
Wolves have now been involved in 54 goals – including both for and against – which is the most of any side in the Premier League.
Attacking is not the issue. They have scored more than Arsenal and Aston Villa and as many Manchester City – but the defence is crippling this side.
It’s 32 goals conceded and counting now, which is seven more than Southampton at the bottom of the table, and their weaknesses were exploited yet again today.
Evanilson wreaked havoc in between Toti and makeshift centre-back Mario Lemina and the horses had already bolted by the time Craig Dawson climbed off the bench.
Sa gave away three penalties in this performance but even if he had not, it felt as if Bournemouth could cut through their opponents at will today.
Wolves need to address their defensive issues quickly or they will be in deep, deep trouble come the end of the season.
Story of the match in stats…
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