Justin Kluivert made history by scoring three penalties in Bournemouth’s thrilling 4-2 win against Wolves at Molineux. This remarkable achievement makes him the first player in 67 years to score a hat-trick of penalties in an English top-flight match, following Ken Barnes’ similar feat in 1957.
The match began with early controversy when Bournemouth were awarded a penalty in the third minute after Evanilson was fouled by Toti Gomes. Wolves argued that the forward had handled the ball before the foul, but the decision was upheld after a VAR check. Kluivert stepped up and confidently converted, giving Bournemouth an early lead.
Wolves quickly hit back two minutes later, with Jorgen Strand Larsen scoring a diving header from Jean-Ricner Bellegarde’s precise cross. However, Bournemouth responded almost immediately when Milos Kerkez blasted the ball into the net from Marcus Tavernier’s pass, regaining the lead in the eighth minute.
VAR and Penalty Drama Continue
The drama escalated in the 18th minute as VAR intervened again. Wolves keeper Jose Sa, attempting to recover from a poor touch, collided with Evanilson in the box. Though initially unnoticed by the referee, the incident was reviewed, resulting in another penalty. Kluivert delivered his second spot-kick of the day, extending Bournemouth’s advantage.
Wolves reduced the deficit once more as Strand Larsen netted again, this time after a pass from Matheus Cunha. However, Bournemouth’s relentless pressure saw them win a third penalty when Sa fouled Evanilson yet again. Kluivert, composed as ever, completed his historic treble with a third clinical finish from the spot.
Bournemouth Triumph Amid Records and Controversy
Kluivert’s achievement wasn’t the only historic moment of the match. Evanilson became the first player in Premier League history to earn three penalties in a single game, a performance that proved decisive.
The victory ended Bournemouth’s two-game losing streak and increased the pressure on Wolves manager Gary O’Neil. Despite Wolves’ spirited efforts, Bournemouth’s decisive penalty conversions and attacking precision proved too much to overcome in a match filled with drama and controversy.
