If I were asked to describe tonight’s match in a word, “anxiety” might be the best choice. With both clubs in the midst of a poor season, the jobs of both managers are thought to be dangling by a thread.
That being said, there is a distinct feeling that a merciful end may soon be approaching for Wolves fans. If not an end to the series of poor match results, then an end to the season long rumors of a Wolves managerial change.
First Half
The match opened with West Ham coming out aggressively, pressuring the ball and placing Wolves under stress. As has been the case all season, this led to balls being played back to the goalkeeper, long outlet passes that didn’t connect, and multiple episodes of the Wolves scrambling to maintain ball control and/or prevent shots on goal.
While both sides managed a couple of shots on goal, it definitely felt like West Ham was the better attacking side. They were often in or near the box and had several corner kick opportunities. Crysencio Summerville served as the catalyst for many of these threats and proved to be the most dynamic player on the field in the first half.
Overall, the first half was largely uninspiring by both sides.
Second Half
The action picked up in the final half with West Ham striking first in the 53rd minute on a corner kick. Once again, the Wolves seem to have never defended a set piece. Tomas Soucek was left unmarked for an easy header into the far post.
After a foul in the box on Goncalo Guedes (68th minute) went uncalled, the Wolves rebounded quickly in the 69th minute with a goal by Matt Doherty on a beautifully placed pass by Rayan Ait-Nouri. Unfortunately, the tie match lasted for just a couple of minutes before West Ham captain, Jarrod Bowen countered with what would be the game winning goal in the 71st minute, giving the Hammers a 2-1 lead.
Final Score West Ham United 2 Wolves 1
Final Thoughts
It was yet another deflating loss for Wolves fans in what’s been a dreadful season all the way round. It’s painfully obvious at this point that changes must be made. The most obvious of which is with manager, Gary O’Neil. While he hasn’t been done any favours by the ownership when it comes to transfers/finances, he’s been given ample time to get the team back on track and out of the relegation zone.
In the bigger picture however, a change in ownership/high level management may be needed as well, as there appears to be a clear disconnect between team leadership and Wolves supporters.
Team Performance Rating 5/10
Man of the Match
There aren’t many options here, but I’ll give it to the goal scorer, Matt Doherty.
ARTICLE BY J MICHAEL GRAY
J. Michael Gray is a Wolves fan from across the pond in the United States. When not watching matches, he enjoys traveling and spending time with family.