Two teams still searching for stability after dropping into the Championship produced an uneven contest. West Ham ultimately prevailed through a combination of fortune, determination and superior finishing, easing the pressure on Nuno Espírito Santo for the time being.
Divine Mukasa and Jarrod Bowen put West Ham ahead before the interval, with Bowen converting from the penalty spot. Mukasa completed his double in the second half, while Konstantinos Mavropanos also found the net. The defender later scored an own goal as Wolves attempted a comeback, adding to Marshall Munetsi’s well-taken strike. Despite showing plenty of technical quality, César Peixoto’s team were less composed than the hosts when their opportunities arrived.
Afterwards, Nuno acknowledged that his team still had room to improve, though he was relieved to secure an important victory. He admitted that mistakes remained but felt West Ham had been considerably more clinical in attack.
Uncertainty surrounding West Ham also continues away from the pitch, making Amanda Staveley’s presence in the stands particularly notable. The former Newcastle shareholder is still a potential investor in the club and enthusiastically celebrated Mukasa’s opening goal. The Manchester City loanee was among several newcomers to impress, with Arne Engels also delivering a strong midfield display.
A first half that initially appeared unlikely to produce much excitement eventually delivered three goals. Wolves controlled much of the opening 30 minutes, but a brief improvement from West Ham allowed the hosts to establish a two-goal advantage by the 40th minute. Mukasa broke the deadlock spectacularly from 25 yards, sending the ball in off the underside of the crossbar after Kyle Walker-Peters had broken beyond the Wolves defence. Seven minutes later, Bowen scored from the spot after Joel Piroe’s quick footwork drew a mistimed challenge from André.
Wolves pulled one back just before Nuno could gather his players at half-time. As West Ham’s defensive line moved forward, a fortunate deflection off André released Munetsi into space. The midfielder cut inside Mavropanos before calmly guiding his finish beyond Mads Hermansen and inside the left post.
The home crowd became more subdued at the beginning of the second half after Wolves’ late first-half response, seemingly expecting West Ham to face further pressure. Instead, the hosts quickly restored their two-goal cushion through Mukasa. Bowen initiated the move with a clever pass that Pablo allowed to run through, eliminating four defenders. Mukasa collected the ball near the penalty area, held off Toti Gomes, moved on to his left foot and scored with the help of a deflection off the Wolves captain.
Nuno praised Mukasa’s performance and highlighted the energy and ability provided by the club’s younger players, including both recent arrivals and those already in the squad. Although he stressed that further development was required, he expressed his satisfaction at having the teenager available.
Wolves regained control of possession after conceding the third goal, but Fer López failed to convert two promising opportunities. At the opposite end, Engels delivered a threatening deep corner. Mavropanos initially headed against the crossbar before powerfully volleying in the rebound. Six minutes later, however, the Greek defender inadvertently turned Jackson Tchatchoua’s cross into his own goal.
Wolves did not create another clear opportunity, although Tchatchoua offered encouragement with an influential performance in both defence and attack, while Mateus Mané impressed on the left. Peixoto felt his side had generated enough scoring chances but admitted that West Ham’s greater efficiency in front of goal ultimately decided the match.
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