In a scathing critique following Wolverhampton Wanderers’ disappointing 4-2 defeat to Bournemouth, former Liverpool star Jamie Carragher did not hold back in his assessment of Matheus Cunha’s performance. The pundit described the Brazilian forward as “brainless” and called for the club to reconsider their investment in the player, who has failed to make an impact since joining the Premier League side.
The match took place at the Vitality Stadium on November 30, 2024, and was marked by a series of defensive slip-ups from Wolves that led to an embarrassing second-half collapse after initially taking the lead. Cunha’s glaring mistake, which resulted in one of Bournemouth’s goals, was highlighted as pivotal in turning the tide of the match. Carragher, analyzing the game on Sky Sports, stated, “You cannot afford brainless decisions like that in the Premier League. It’s time for Wolves to evaluate whether Cunha is the right fit for this team.”
Cunha, who joined Wolves from Atlético Madrid earlier in the season, was brought in with high expectations. Fans and analysts alike had anticipated he would be key to the club’s attacking dynamics. However, inconsistencies have plagued his performances, and this latest blunder has only intensified scrutiny over his future at Molineux. Carragher continued, “For a player of his caliber, you expect more. Those types of mistakes can cost teams dearly, especially against opponents who are capable of punishing errors.”
The defeat leaves Wolves languishing near the relegation zone, raising further questions about the squad’s depth and management’s decision-making in the transfer window. Many fans are now voicing their frustrations online, calling for Cunha to be dropped from the starting lineup until he finds form, while some have suggested it may be time to cut their losses and explore alternative options.
Cunha’s defensive awareness has been criticized not just by Carragher but also by several analysts following the match. His lack of positional discipline was evident, leading to lapses that allowed Bournemouth to exploit spaces effectively. To compound matters, he failed to contribute significantly in attack, leaving Wolves fans disappointed and anxious about their team’s prospects.
Wolves manager Gary O’Neil defended Cunha after the match, insisting that while the player made errors, he has also shown flashes of brilliance that cannot be overlooked. “Matheus is a talented player who is still adapting to the Premier League. Everyone makes mistakes, but we believe in his potential,” O’Neil said. However, many are questioning if Cunha can turn things around in time to save Wolves from a dismal season.
As the dust settles on what has been a tumultuous week for Wolves, all eyes will be on both the coaching staff and Cunha to see how they respond. With key fixtures coming up, the urgency to improve cannot be overstated. The stakes are rising, and now, more than ever, Watford needs players who can step up and meet the challenge head-on. The pressure is on Cunha to prove that he deserves his place in the team, or risk being sent to the sidelines as Wolves fight to avoid relegation.
As the Premier League gears up for another intense round of fixtures, fans and pundits alike will continue to monitor Matheus Cunha’s performances closely, hoping for a turnaround that may stave off the critics—especially those as biting as Jamie Carragher.
