On Monday, West Ham defeated 2-1 Wolves at home thanks to a goal from Jarrod Bowen halfway through the second half. Wolverhampton Wanderers’ poor defence cost them the victory once more, and they now sit second-bottom in the league.
Current Standings
West Ham is in 14th place with 18 points, while Wolves lost three minutes after tying the score to remain in 19th place with nine points from 15 games. Wolves have given up the most goals in the Premier League this season – 38.
Tribute to Michail Antonio
The 34-year-old Hammers striker Michael Antonio, who is recuperating in the hospital after surgery on a fractured leg he suffered in a car accident on Saturday, received a minute’s applause after the ninth minute of play.
Managerial Pressure and Pre-Match Speculation
The pre-match talk was all about whose job was most at risk because both managers, Gary O’Neil of Wolves and Julen Lopetegui of West Ham, are struggling to turn things around after their teams’ disappointing to the season.
Key Moments in the Match
First Half Struggles
Following a scoreless first half that saw numerous set pieces, Lopetegui’s Hammers broke the tie in the 54th minute when Tomas Soucek scored from their tenth corner.
Tomas Soucek Tribute Goal
The Wolves defence left the Czech midfielder unmarked at the far post, allowing him to send a looping header across goal into the net. He immediately ran to a TV camera, holding up nine fingers in tribute to Antonio, who wears the number nine for the Hammers.
With the exception of penalties, it was Wolves’ eighth goal from a corner and their fifteenth from a set piece this season, more than any other top-flight team.
Wolves Equaliser and Bowen Decisive Strike
Shortly after a strong penalty appeal went to court, Wolves equalised through a brilliantly taken scooped volley into the corner by Matt Doherty in the 69th minute.
The lead was short-lived as Wolves’ defensive flaws were exposed once more, with Bowen jinking onto his left foot in the box and burying the ball in the corner three minutes later.
Wolves were deflated after conceding so soon after their equaliser, and aside from a few harmless off-target shots, they barely threatened West Ham’s goal in the final minutes as the hosts comfortably won.
Post-Match Reactions
Tomas Soucek Dedication
Soucek revealed following the game that the team had spoken with Antonio via video call earlier on Monday.
The goal was intended for him. I devoted it to him. I said before the game that I wanted to score even more today. He’s been here since I arrived. He is my favorite, he told Sky Sports, adding that he couldn’t wait to see his recovering teammate.
Gary O’Neil Perspective
Wolves coach O’Neil acknowledged that he was under pressure, but insisted that his team was still giving it their all.
I’m a little disappointed for them because it was a good away performance under a lot of pressure, he told Sky Sports.
I can only ask them to give what they have, and they are giving everything, so I hope the fans are still proud of what they see from the players.
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