Eli Junior Kroupi’s sensational first-half strike set Bournemouth on their way to a 2-0 victory over Wolves at Molineux, as the Cherries recorded back-to-back Premier League wins for the first time since September.
Fresh from a dramatic late win over Liverpool last weekend, Bournemouth initially found it difficult to trouble José Sá, but they struck decisively just before the half-hour mark.
Kroupi collected possession inside the penalty area and unleashed a fierce, looping effort that flew over the Wolves goalkeeper and into the net.
Alex Scott wrapped up the points late on, converting a low cross from the left by debutant Rayan to give manager Andoni Iraola a narrow victory in his 100th Premier League match in charge.
The scoreline was harsh on Wolves, who produced a spirited display as they looked to respond to last weekend’s defeat at Manchester City - their first loss in four league games.
The hosts thought they had made a dream start when Mateus Mané headed in Rodrigo Gomes’ cross after just seven minutes.
However, celebrations were cut short as the assistant referee flagged for offside against Gomes in the build-up.
Bournemouth threatened to extend their lead, with Amine Adli and Alex Jimenez both denied by Sá either side of the interval.
At the other end, Djordje Petrovic made a sharp reflex save to keep out Tolu Arokodare, while substitute Jørgen Strand Larsen dragged a shot wide shortly after entering the fray.
Wolves continued to push, and Joao Gomes came agonisingly close when he headed Hugo Bueno’s corner against the outside of the post.
But their pressure went unrewarded, and Scott’s stoppage-time finish sealed the victory for the visitors.
The win lifts Bournemouth to 12th in the table, just five points off the top four - albeit having played a game more than most of the sides above them.
Wolves, meanwhile, remain 17 points from safety with 14 matches remaining and a significantly inferior goal difference to 17th-placed Nottingham Forest.
After ending an 11-match winless run with victory over Tottenham earlier this month, Bournemouth appear to be building momentum.
The opening exchanges at Molineux were evenly matched, but Kroupi’s stunning opener tilted the contest in their favour.
The 19-year-old’s eighth league goal of the season came after Scott intercepted a loose pass in the Wolves half and lifted Kroupi level with Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal as the joint highest-scoring teenager across Europe’s top five leagues.
Adli had a golden chance to double the lead before the break after racing onto Kroupi’s through ball, but his effort from a tight angle was smothered by Sá.
The Wolves keeper was again called into action seconds after half-time, pushing away Jimenez’s powerful strike following an adventurous run.
Bournemouth’s inability to extend their advantage kept Wolves in the contest, and they were fortunate to see Joao Gomes’ header rebound off the woodwork.
Relief finally arrived in the first minute of stoppage time when Scott struck, allowing Iraola and the travelling supporters to celebrate a third win in four league outings.
Wolves had struggled against Manchester City last time out but entered this contest with renewed belief, facing a Bournemouth side that had won just once away from home all season.
Edwards demanded intensity from his players, and they responded with a positive start.
Rodrigo Gomes caused problems down the right, yet with Strand Larsen starting on the bench, the hosts lacked a clear focal point in attack despite Arokodare’s tireless work.
Mané was unlucky to see his early header ruled out, but otherwise failed to truly test Petrovic, firing two long-range efforts straight at the Bournemouth goalkeeper.
Wolves pushed hard for an equaliser in the second half and may feel they deserved at least a point, but poor finishing and the woodwork denied them before Scott’s late goal extinguished their hopes.
