Strand Larsen Strikes Again as Wolves Edge Past West Ham
Wolves Secure Crucial Win to Pull Away from Relegation Battle
Wolverhampton Wanderers took a massive step towards safety with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over West Ham United at Molineux. Jorgen Strand Larsen was once again the hero, netting his third goal in two games to give Wolves a much-needed win in their battle to stay in the Premier League.
The Norwegian striker, who missed the international break with a fractured hand, marked his return with yet another decisive moment, scoring his 10th league goal of the season. With Matheus Cunha still suspended, Strand Larsen delivered when his team needed him most.
Strand Larsen Delivers as Wolves Take Early Control
The game’s only goal arrived in the 21st minute, and it was a moment of real quality from Joao Gomes. The Brazilian embarked on a mazy run, twisting past West Ham defenders before laying the ball off to Strand Larsen, who finished with the help of a slight deflection off former Wolves defender Max Kilman.
The hosts nearly doubled their lead five minutes later following another Gomes surge. This time, his pass found Marshall Munetsi, but the midfielder’s rushed shot crashed off the crossbar, leaving the home crowd frustrated.
West Ham Struggle to Make an Impact in First Half
For West Ham, the first half was one to forget. Evan Ferguson, making his first start for the club since arriving on loan from Brighton, had the visitors’ best chance early on. However, he failed to convert Jarrod Bowen’s cut-back at the far post, squandering a golden opportunity to put David Moyes’ side ahead.
With West Ham lacking creativity and urgency, Wolves looked comfortable heading into the break, firmly in control of the contest.
Potter Rings the Changes at Half-Time
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Sensing the need for a drastic improvement, West Ham boss Graham Potter made three substitutions at half-time, bringing on Carlos Soler, Niclas Fullkrug, and Edson Alvarez. The changes had an immediate impact, with the visitors upping the tempo and finally showing some attacking intent.
Fullkrug, returning from a hamstring injury that had kept him out since January, had a great chance to equalize within minutes of coming on. However, the German striker sliced his effort horribly wide after breaking through the Wolves backline.
Wolves Hold Firm as West Ham Push for an Equalizer
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With West Ham dominating possession, Wolves were forced to sit deep and play on the counter-attack. One such breakaway nearly resulted in a second goal, as Strand Larsen fired narrowly wide after a Matt Doherty pull-back.
The visitors thought they had won a penalty when Doherty caught Fullkrug in the face with a high boot. However, after a VAR review, referee Tony Harrington stuck with his original decision, waving away the protests.
West Ham’s best chance came in the 90th minute, when Tomas Soucek found himself through on goal with just Jose Sa to beat. But, in a moment that summed up West Ham’s night, the midfielder dragged his shot wide, letting Wolves off the hook.
Wolves See It Out to Claim a Vital Three Points
As the game entered stoppage time, Wolves had a golden chance to seal the victory. Strand Larsen turned provider, setting up Munetsi, but the Zimbabwean midfielder could only prod his effort wide.
Despite a nervy finish, Wolves held on to secure their fourth home victory of the season. The three points moved them 12 clear of the relegation zone, providing a huge boost in their fight for survival.
West Ham’s Missed Opportunity
For West Ham, this was a missed opportunity to climb the Premier League table. A win would have seen them move above Everton and Tottenham Hotspur, but instead, they remain inconsistent and frustratingly unpredictable.
Potter’s side will need to regroup quickly if they want to stay in contention for a European spot, while Wolves will take huge confidence from this gritty performance.
As for Strand Larsen, his rich vein of form continues, and Wolves fans will be hoping he can keep firing them to safety.
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