Bowen’s winning hand boosts Lopetegui and puts pressure on O’Neil

Julen Lopetegui was at his best in the manager’s battle under pressure as West Ham beat Wolves 2-1 at the London Stadium.

Tomas Soucek and Jarrod Bowen were on target in the second half either side of a Matt Doherty strike that gave the Hammers a big boost – and put Wolves boss Gary O’Neil in deep trouble.

The defeat leaves Wolves four points off safety in 19th place, with the Irons now nine points clear of the relegation zone.

Both managers went into the game, dubbed ‘El Sackico’, under immense pressure and this seemed to spill over onto the pitch during a fractious opening that lacked quality.

The only notable moment happened in the ninth minute the fans showed their support for the injured striker Michail Antoniowho remains in the hospital after being involved in a car accident on Saturday.

But both could easily have gone into half-time ahead after two big chances for both sides in the final 10 minutes before the break.

The first came for the away side, with Toti Gomes somehow missing the target after two brilliant passes from Jorgen Strand Larsen and Matt Doherty.

It was then the Hammers’ turn to miss a great chance, with defender Kostas Mavropanos unable to keep his shot after former Wolves captain Max Kilman headed a corner over the bar.

The home team took the lead shortly after the break through a well-known source – Soucek from a corner.

The Czech midfielder took their 10th corner of the game as he scored his fourth goal of the season after heading Jarrod Bowen’s header over the bar and past Gomes into the far corner.

Tomáš Souček with a BIG goal for West Ham! ⚔️ pic.twitter.com/cyyIWkAs1q

— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) December 9, 2024

Mohammed Kudus thought he had doubled West Ham’s lead after finishing Bowen’s cross from the left, but a lengthy VAR review ruled the goal was offside, giving Wolves and O’Neil a lifeline.

Wolves were left fuming at the rejection of a penalty with just over 20 minutes remaining after Emerson tripped Goncalo Guedes in the box, but nothing was given after another VAR review.

But it didn’t matter as Doherty scored a huge goal, hitting the net with a lovely left-footed strike after Rayan Ait-Nouri’s through ball.

Matt Doherty PUT Wolves BACK in the mix! 🐺🔥 pic.twitter.com/Pe58XxTWhE

— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) December 9, 2024

But O’Neil’s reprieve was all too short as, with Wolves practically finished with their celebrations, Bowen opened up his body and found the angle for a big goal.

West Ham leads again!

Jarrod Bowen with a touch of class 😮‍💨 pic.twitter.com/mr7ZAYmGiV

— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) December 9, 2024

Wolves were denied two more penalties before West Ham had the ball in the net again, only for another effort from Kudus to be ruled out.