Wolves remain winless after two Premier League matches as Marcus Tavernier’s deflected strike sealed a 1–0 win for Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium.
Matt Doherty, who completed the full 90 minutes, fronted up after the match, acknowledging his side’s poor execution before the red card changed the game. Despite a spirited defensive display with ten men, Wolves couldn’t find the equaliser.
Matt Doherty’s Post-Match Reaction
“We’re disappointed, we’ve lost the first games of the season which is not ideal. After the red card it was actually better and back against the wall but disappointed with how the game went before the red card. Our game plan was not to play through the middle and we did that and got punished. We made mistakes that we knew we shouldn’t have made and they are a good side and punished us off the first chance that they got. Bournemouth probably tried to force it with 11 men. We defended well and they didn’t create too many chances. We need to take that kind of defensive and tactical energy into the Everton game.” — Matt Doherty, Premier League Productions
Matt Doherty vs Bournemouth — Match Stats (23 August 2025)
| Stat | Doherty |
|---|---|
| Minutes Played | 90′ |
| Sofascore Rating | 6.9 |
| Clearances | 4 |
| Blocked Shots | 1 |
| Interceptions | 1 |
| Total Tackles | 3 |
| Ground Duels (Won) | 9 (4) |
| Aerial Duels (Won) | 7 (5) |
| Touches | 53 |
| Accurate Passes | 25/29 (86%) |
| Long Balls (Accurate) | 4 (3) |
| Crosses (Accurate) | 1 (0) |
| Possession Lost | 7 |
| Fouls | 3 |
source: sofascore match data – 23 august 2025
Doherty was one of Wolves’ busiest defenders, winning five aerial duels, making four clearances, and completing three tackles. His 86% pass accuracy showed composure in possession, though Wolves’ lack of attacking outlet left him under constant pressure.
Analyst Verdict — FootballPlace View
By FootballPlace analyst John William
Doherty’s performance highlighted his defensive leadership — aggressive in duels and disciplined in structure. Despite the loss, he won the majority of his aerial challenges and looked solid in one-v-one moments.
From reviewing his last two matches, Wolves’ problem is not in defence but transition. Doherty and his fellow defenders are working overtime, while mistakes further up the pitch expose them. The challenge is to carry this resilience into matches where Wolves can also impose themselves offensively.
Key Insights
- Doherty admits Wolves made costly errors in 1–0 defeat to Bournemouth
- Defender completed 90 minutes, winning 5 aerial duels and making 4 clearances
- Wolves improved defensively after red card but couldn’t find equaliser
- Doherty urges “defensive and tactical energy” ahead of Everton clash
- Wolves still without a goal this Premier League season
What’s Next
Wolves return to Molineux to face West Ham United, where defensive solidity will again be crucial. Doherty’s call for tactical energy must be matched by attacking sharpness if Wolves are to end their winless start.
Bournemouth, meanwhile, welcome Brentford with back-to-back home fixtures and Tavernier in form after scoring the winner.
Can Matt Doherty help Wolves turn resilience into results — or will their attacking struggles keep them winless?
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