West Ham 2-1 Wolves: Lopetegui gets breather as Hammers defeat fellow strugglers
West Ham United has achieved a remarkable feat by winning three consecutive matches against Wolverhampton Wanderers for the first time in two decades, following a 2-1 victory at the London Stadium. This result leaves Gary O’Neil’s squad still four points adrift of safety in the Premier League.
The match featured a notable encounter between former Wolves manager Julen Lopetegui and his successor O’Neil, both of whom were reportedly facing potential dismissal prior to the game.
The first significant moment occurred nine minutes in, as fans honored Michail Antonio with a standing ovation after he was involved in a car accident on Friday.
The initial shot on target came 12 minutes later, but Joao Gomes’ effort was easily handled by Lukasz Fabianski. At the opposite end, Sam Johnstone, filling in for the injured Jose Sa, made a crucial save to deny Jarrod Bowen’s close-range attempt.
As the match progressed, it became increasingly open, with Crysencio Summerville skillfully setting up Bowen, who was again denied by a sliding challenge from Rayan Ait-Nouri.
Both teams appeared to sense an impending goal, with Gomes narrowly missing the target after sidefooting wide from Matt Doherty’s precise cross. Shortly thereafter, Johnstone managed to parry a curling shot from Mohammed Kudus, which nearly fell to Tomas Soucek, who was poised to score.
Lopetegui likely entered the halftime break frustrated that West Ham could not capitalize on nine first-half corners. However, the 10th corner shortly after the interval proved fruitful, as Bowen’s delivery found an unmarked Soucek, who headed the ball into the far corner.
The home side initially believed they had extended their lead, only for Kudus to be ruled offside. Moments later, O’Neil expressed his frustration when Wolves were not awarded a penalty after Emerson Palmieri fouled Goncalo Guedes.
Nevertheless, Guedes quickly moved on from that incident, assisting Ait-Nouri, whose well-placed cross was expertly finished by Doherty.
West Ham quickly regained their advantage as Bowen skillfully curled a shot past Johnstone from 15 yards, marking his career-high sixth Premier League goal against Wolves. In celebration, he held up an Antonio shirt to show support for his teammate.
The visitors sought to equalize, with Mario Lemina directing a shot straight at Fabianski, and another penalty appeal from Wolves was dismissed. However, they ultimately failed to find the equalizer for a second time.
Interestingly, both teams have conceded 72 goals in the Premier League in 2024, the highest total this year. While West Ham now enjoys a nine-point cushion above the relegation zone, their opponents find themselves in significant peril.
SportsLigue