Ryan Christie, who struggled amid Wolves’ midfield blockade to belie recent rave reviews, was replaced by the energy of Tyler Adams as Iraola sought further solutions, including the removal of Kluivert, so often the leading man in the Cherries’ sweet science, for Alex Scott.
Bournemouth, who previously took the Premier League by storm with 12 fit players, were being asked to thrive with 10 and Cunha’s goal came after Dean Huijsen and full-back James Hill, shuffled inwards as an emergency centre-back, both misread the ball.
Meanwhile, Cunha, and half-time arrival Jørgen Strand Larsen held the ball up, winning fouls and territory, with Wolves creating the better chances as full-time and victory approached.
Even before Illia Zabarnyi’s disputed but deserved red card, the Bournemouth machine had shown defective signs, the football from the gods they have lately been playing deserting them.
Beating Wolves would have taken Andoni Iraola’s team into fourth place but expectation can do funny things.
