
Wolves Stun West Ham Late as Pressure Mounts on Potter
Wolves Stun West Ham Late as Pressure Mounts on Potter
Jorgen Strand Larsen delivered a devastating late double as Wolves came from behind to beat West Ham 3-2 in the second round of the Carabao Cup — intensifying the scrutiny on Hammers boss Graham Potter.
Strand Larsen, the subject of a £50m bid from Newcastle earlier this week, stepped off the bench to fire two goals in the final eight minutes, turning a cagey match into a late thriller at Molineux. The result marked Wolves’ first win of the season and West Ham’s third straight defeat.
Early Tension and Mid-Game Turnaround
Wolves opened the scoring through Rodrigo Gomes, who followed up after Hwang Hee-chan’s penalty hit the post. The spot-kick was awarded when Guido Rodriguez fouled Jean-Ricner Bellegarde inside the box.
West Ham looked to have recovered well after the break. Tomas Soucek headed home early in the second half, and Lucas Paqueta capitalized on a defensive lapse to convert Jarrod Bowen’s cross and give the Hammers a 2-1 lead.
But Strand Larsen had the final say — scoring two clinical goals in as many minutes to complete the comeback and knock out the Premier League side.
Potter Under Growing Pressure
Graham Potter has now won just five of his 21 matches in charge of West Ham. His predecessor Julen Lopetegui was sacked after 22 games — a milestone Potter is now perilously close to matching.
The Hammers have conceded 11 goals in just three matches this season. While fielding a rotated side in the cup, fans and pundits alike will see the defensive vulnerabilities and mental lapses as part of a concerning pattern.
At full-time, Jarrod Bowen approached the traveling fans in what seemed like a gesture of unity. However, stewards intervened as tensions rose — potentially due to words exchanged between Bowen and the supporters. The moment captured the frustration and growing disconnect within the club.
Strand Larsen Shines Amid Transfer Rumors
Despite heavy interest from Newcastle, Wolves forward Strand Larsen showcased his maturity and professionalism. With his future still uncertain, the Norwegian striker let his football do the talking — making an immediate impact off the bench to send Wolves through to the third round.
Wolves are keen to keep the 24-year-old, knowing that his goals may prove the difference in their Premier League survival. Losing him, they believe, would cost far more than the £50m on offer.
The club remains active in the market, reportedly targeting Gefate’s Christantus Uche as a potential addition up front.
What’s Next?
Wolves: The Midlands side hosts Everton this Saturday at Molineux before visiting Newcastle after the international break.
West Ham: The Hammers must regroup quickly as they travel to Nottingham Forest on Sunday, followed by a tough London derby against Tottenham on 13 September.
With the transfer window closing in days and no wins on the board, Graham Potter faces a defining stretch in his West Ham tenure.
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