Marcus Tavernier marked his first start since November with the game’s only goal to give Cherries a precious 1-0 win at Molineux. Victory was Cherries’ first in 10 games, adding a vital three points to their tally by finally converting improved performances into a result. O’Neil credited the win to Cherries’ ability to edge the game in their favour. Reflecting on the game,
Gary O’Neil said: “I think (Wolves) was a big game for us – as they always are. I think since Nottingham Forest probably where we were really short players and we put in a good performance, unlucky not to win. Good performance at Brighton, unlucky not to beat Newcastle. To go four on the trot where their performances have given us a real chance of taking something from the games. Spoke a lot this week, I think I mentioned it in the pre-match (press conference) as well, that some things that we need to do to try and swing the fine margins our way, because it’s not always luck. I think you saw that (against Wolves). I think the boys had a real focus around managing the game, certain situations that the boys did well, that doesn’t look like a lot, but if you can just try and grab a centimetre here and there, it can make a big difference at the end. And (against Wolves) felt like that. I felt we weren’t too different to some of the other games we’ve just played in, but we managed to make sure that the fine margins fell in our favour.”
Wins for Everton and Southampton, as well as an impressive draw for Nottingham Forest against Manchester City poured cold water on Cherries’ result. Asked for his thoughts on other side’s results,
Gary O’Neil replied: “I haven’t seen any other results. I’m not really too interested in those.”
