In a match dubbed “El Sackico,” West Ham secured a crucial 2-1 victory against Wolves, who remain stuck in 19th place. The Hammers, meanwhile, hold firm in 14th, just seven points off the top six and nine clear of the relegation zone.
Before the game, Michail Antonio held a video call with his teammates, who dedicated the win to their absent colleague.
Reflecting on his opening goal, Tomas Soucek said:
“Yes, it was for him. I dedicated it to him – I said to myself I wanted to score even more today.”
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Under-pressure head coach Julen Lopetegui looked bemused by eight minutes of added time but was visibly relieved at the final whistle:
“We deserved the three points. We were able to compete well and fight until the end. We had very clear chances. But the most important thing is that we won.”
The game was goalless at half-time before Soucek broke the deadlock in the 54th minute. Wolves equalised through Matt Doherty on 69 minutes, but Jarrod Bowen secured the win for West Ham with a low strike past Sam Johnstone. Bowen was named man of the match, continuing his prolific record against Wolves with six goals and an assist in ten appearances.
Wolves may feel aggrieved by some refereeing decisions, as the match was evenly contested. Both teams registered 19 shots, with Wolves managing five on target to West Ham’s four. However, the visitors failed to win a single corner, while West Ham racked up 11. The Hammers missed set-piece specialist James Ward-Prowse, currently on loan at Nottingham Forest.
For now, the speculation surrounding Lopetegui’s future may quieten. However, with a crucial Monday night clash against Bournemouth on 16th December, rumours of Graham Potter’s potential appointment could resurface. Lopetegui refused to be drawn on his job security, stating:
“I don’t talk about the noise; I talk about the football.”
As reported earlier by Gonzo, a senior club source revealed the board remains cautious. While the three points are welcome, the performance remains under scrutiny.