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Gary O’Neil’s days look numbered after Wolverhampton Wanderers suffered a frustrating 2-1 defeat away at West Ham United on Monday night.
Wolves remain four points deep in the relegation zone after being narrowly beaten by their former manager, Julen Lopetegui, courtesy of a Tomas Soucek header and a clinical winner from Jarrod Bowen.
The Old Gold started well as they imposed a high press and created the first big chances of the game - including a huge miss from Joao Gomes from close range - but the momentum shifted to West Ham after the half-hour mark. Lopetegui’s side went close through Bowen, Carlos Soler and Kostas Mavropanos in the first half before Soucek broke the deadlock early on in the second period.
Wolves had survived nine corners but faltered appallingly on the West Ham’s tenth. Six or seven in gold stood still and watched on, allowing Soucek an eternity to head Bowen’s corner back across goal and into the far side netting. There was controversy before the corner was awarded as Mario Lemina was convinced the ball had come off Aaron Wan-Bissaka first, but the defending was inexcusable.
Wanderers got away with some more terrible positioning a few minutes later as Kudus fired into the net from a squared Bowen pass, but the winger saw his goal ruled out for offside after a VAR check. Wolves were furious not to see a different VAR call go their way as substitute Goncalo Guedes was bundled over into the box by Emerson but the decision was no penalty.
Wanderers, fired up by the officiating, responded with a bang as Doherty converted first time from a low Ait-Nouri cross to level up the scoring. But the 1-1 scoreline didn’t last long as Bowen ruthlessly struck West Ham back ahead three minutes later, dummying past Guedes before curling through a crowd of bodies and into the bottom left.
Wolves remain four points deep in the relegation zone following tonight's defeat at West Ham.Wolves remain four points deep in the relegation zone following tonight's defeat at West Ham.
Wolves remain four points deep in the relegation zone following tonight's defeat at West Ham. | Getty Images
O’Neil’s emotions crescendoed three times in just 10 minutes; pure infuriation at the lack of a penalty, unrelenting joy at the thrill of equalising and absolute exasperation at going back behind.
Wolves desperately pushed on to try and source another equaliser - and there was another penalty shout when Mavropanos downed Jean-Ricner Bellegarde - but it ended 2-1 to the Hammers. Unlucky with decisions or not, O’Neil will be lucky to remain in the Wolves hot seat after that result.
Wolves player ratings vs West Ham
Sam Johnstone - 5
Did a decent job in the first half as he kept out efforts from Bowen and Kudus but was merely a bystander for Soucek’s headed opener and Bowen’s winner.
Matt Doherty - 7
Scored a beautiful goal for 1-1 and created the excellent cross for Gomes’ first half chance but gave away so many unnecessary fouls and was booked for his efforts.
Nelson Semedo - 6
Returned from his suspension and defended well for the most part as an auxiliary right centre-back, making several important challenges.
Santiago Bueno - 5
Headed out plenty of first-half corners but, much like others, lost his focus for Soucek’s header. Lacked accuracy and confidence with his passing out from the back.
Toti Gomes - 5
At fault for Soucek’s goal as he left the space he was occupying, the far post. Completed a few tackles to boost his rating.
Rayan Ait-Nouri - 7 (off 86’)
Made a stunning last-ditch block to deny Soler an almost certain goal in the first half and assisted Doherty’s goal with a great low cross.
Andre - 6 (off 62’)
Had a mixed hour or so as he won back possession on several occasions but gave it up on others.
Mario Lemina - 6
Had an excellent first half as he made five tackles and won his fair share of aerial duels but lost his way in the second 45.
Joao Gomes - 4 (off 78’)
Missed a glorious chance in the first half, wasting Doherty’s dangerous ball in. Picked up his fifth yellow card of the campaign with a late lunge. Made six fouls all in all in what was a sloppy performance.
Matheus Cunha - 6
Linked up the play well in tight spaces and went close to squeezing a 20-yard shot into the near post. Went missing a little in the second period, however. Booked for an amusing tactical foul on Summerville.
Jorgen Strand Larsen - 6 (off 62’)
Played one great cross-field pass to kick-start the move for Gomes’ chance but otherwise did very little.
Goncalo Guedes - 6 (on 62’)
Let Bowen by far too easily for the attacker’s winning goal. Unlucky not to win a penalty as he was knocked over just inside the box. Got two shots away but neither threatened Fabianski.
Jean-Ricner Bellegade - 6 (on 62’)
Also unfortunate not to win a spot-kick as he was caught by Mavropanos. Struggled to make his passes stick, often giving the ball away.
Tommy Doyle (on 78’), Rodrigo Gomes (on 86’) - N/A
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