Andoni Iraola hails Evanilson as ‘the difference-maker’ in Bournemouth’s victory at Wolves after the striker won a record-breaking three penalties at Molineux

Were it not for him missing a penalty against Chelsea in September, it would have been Evanilson on spot-kick duties for Bournemouth on Saturday.

Instead, his teammate Justin Kluivert became the first man in 67 years in English top-flight football to score a hat-trick of penalties but Andoni Iraola insisted that Evanilson, who cost a club record £40million in the summer, was the main man against Wolves.

‘Evanilson is not on the scoresheet but he was the difference-maker,’ the Bournemouth manager said. 

‘I know Justin scored the hat-trick and we must value this but I would like to recognise Evanilson especially. 

‘He made it really uncomfortable for them and his work rate without the ball, his fight and his spirit gave us a lot.’

The Brazilian became the first player in Premier League history to win three penalties in the same game and is proving to be the ideal replacement for Dominic Solanke, scoring four goals for the Cherries since his move from Porto.

The Brazilian striker won a record-breaking three penalties in the Cherries victory at Molineux

Justin Kluivert converted all three to become the first player in 67 years in the top-flight to score a hat-trick of penalties

‘He’s a completely different player (to Solanke) but he’s been very important for us and is growing every game, with the ball and without the ball,’ Iraola admitted.

‘Even though he doesn’t speak English, he understands football very well – he smells the danger and he reads the opposition very well and this is important, especially as a number nine.’

Victory for Bournemouth piled the pressure on Gary O’Neil, whose side dropped back into the relegation zone after an error-strewn display. No side has conceded more goals (32) in the Premier League this season.

‘Let’s not give teams the opportunities to be in front,’ O’Neil complained. ‘Let’s not hand teams the initiative by making so many errors, especially early in the game. 

‘To have to fight back constantly is tough so we can’t make that many errors and expect to be coming out on the right side of the game.’