It was a match between two disjointed sides, two teams trying to carve out new identities following the drop into the Championship. In the end West Ham won thanks to a bit of luck, a degree of resolve and, crucially, a sharpness in front of goal that took them away from Wolves and reduced the pressure on Nuno Espírito Santo, for a few days at least. First-half goals from Divine Mukasa and Jarrod Bowen, the latter from the penalty spot, were complemented by two more in the second; Mukasa secured his brace alongside a goal for Konstantinos Mavropanos.
The defender doubled up himself too, albeit by scoring at his own end, as Wolves tried to claw their way back into contention. The visitors also added a decent goal from the midfielder Marshall Munetsi to their tally. For all their obvious technical ability, however, César Peixoto’s side lacked the hosts’ sang-froidsang-froid at the crucial moments and that proved the decisive factor.
Nuno’s mantra after the match was “I think we can do better”, but he was clearly grateful for the win. The former Newcastle shareholder remains in the running to acquire a stake in West Ham and could be seen punching the air at Mukasa’s first-half banger. The Manchester City loanee was not the only new recruit to impress, with Arne Engels excellent alongside him in midfield.
What gave off the vibes of being an uninspiring opening half ended up being blessed by three goals. West Ham were on the back foot for much of the opening half-hour but established a two-goal lead by the 40th minute after a short spell of improved play. The opening goal was a memorable one, hit by Mukasa from 25 yards and cannoning into the net off the underside of the bar.
It was a memorable way for the teenager to open his account, and it came after a piece of smart attacking play that got Kyle Walker-Peters behind Wolves’ defensive line. Seven minutes later, Bowen converted a penalty after swift feet from Joel Piroe confused André into an untimely tackle. Before Nuno could get his troops into the dressing room and preach the importance of a clean sheet, Wolves hit back.
With West Ham’s defence pushing up, a fortunate deflection off the previously bewildered André opened up the opportunity for Munetsi to run into space, check inside Mavropanos and finish coolly inside Mads Hermansen’s left-hand post. With nascent enthusiasm tempered by the late concession, the atmosphere among the home support quietened as the second half began, perhaps in anticipation of further trials for West Ham. Instead they extended their lead in short order and it was Mukasa who struck again.
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