Joao picks off Cherries MOU THE ONE FOR NUNO

JOAO MOUTINHO ended a 14-month goal drought in style to extend Wolves’ best run of top-flight form for 44 years against 10-man Bournemouth.

Moutinho scored one stunning free-kick goal and cleverly created the other for Raul Jimenez as the Midlanders made it eight Premier League games unbeaten.

The red card for Bournemouth captain Simon Francis after only 37 minutes seemed to have ended any hope of a fightback from the hosts.

But a rare Steve Cook goal ensured Wolves still had to come through a nervy finale.

Wolves manager Nuno Espirito Santo said: “In the first half we played really well and balanced, always creating chances, always good in possession and organised.

“In the second half with one man less, Eddie Howe reacted and created problems so we knew the game was dangerous.”

The match sparked into life when Portuguese ace Moutinho opened the scoring with a sweetly-struck 21st-minute free-kick.

And a second free- kick from Moutinho provided the visitors’ second goal 14 minutes before the break. This time the midfielder played a slide-rule pass for Adama Traore to cut back a cross for the grateful Jiminez to turn home.

Francis’ first Premier League start since Boxing Day ended eight minutes before half-time. He had already been booked for the foul on Diogo Jota which led to Moutinho’s screamer when he was shown another yellow card for a crude challenge on the same player.

Centre-back Cook got the Cherries back into the game just before the hour mark. The defenderheaded home his first goal for 13 months from Ryan Fraser’s corner.

Bournemouth nearly snatched a late leveller but Arnaut Danjuma blazed his shot high and wide.

Cherries boss Howe said: “We didn’t deliver what we wanted to in the first half and I think it was plainly obvious to everyone in the stadium.

“With 10 men we did really well, the subs made an impact and we looked a threat.”