Bournemouth’s Justin Kluivert etched his name in Premier League history by scoring a hat-trick of penalties in a thrilling 4-2 victory over Wolves at Molineux, a feat not achieved in English top-flight football since 1957.
Kluivert’s clinical display came in a dramatic match where Evanilson won all three spot-kicks, the first player in Premier League history to do so. The result sent Wolves into the relegation zone and intensified scrutiny on manager Gary O’Neil, whose side was booed off the pitch.
The game began with controversy as Evanilson was fouled by Toti Gomes after an apparent handball. VAR upheld the penalty, allowing Kluivert to convert. Wolves responded swiftly through Jorgen Strand Larsen’s diving header, but Bournemouth retook the lead when Milos Kerkez smashed home following a smart Marcus Tavernier assist.
More VAR drama unfolded when Jose Sa fouled Evanilson for Bournemouth’s second penalty. Kluivert doubled his tally before completing his historic treble after another foul by Sa on the Brazilian striker. Strand Larsen’s second goal briefly reignited Wolves’ hopes, but the Cherries held firm.
Tempers flared at halftime as Sa confronted a Wolves fan in an incident that led to the removal of two spectators by stewards. The tension mirrored a miserable day for the hosts, whose fans also mocked O’Neil, chanting “you don’t know what you’re doing.”
Bournemouth supporters revelled in the win over their former manager, chanting “Gary, what’s the score?” as O’Neil’s side suffered their first defeat in five games.
The victory lifts Bournemouth after two straight losses, while Wolves face a grim fight for survival with questions mounting over O’Neil’s leadership.
