Wolves are through to the third round of the Carabao Cup, after coming from behind to beat West Ham United 3-2.
It was a drab first-half, with both teams looking low on confidence and lacking a spark.
Wolves tried to play the ball around but just couldn’t really fashion any chances.
But thankfully, West Ham were not overly threatening themselves, working Sam Johnstone just a couple of times.
The breakthrough came just before half-time, thanks to some quick feet in the box from Jean-Ricner Bellegarde, drawing a foul in the area.
Hwang Hee-chan, captain for the night, stepped up but struck the post, but an alert Rodrigo Gomes fired in the rebound.
Early in the second-half, Tomas Souceck levelled with a head at the back post.
West Ham then conceded a second headed goal, with Jarrod Bowen crossing from the right and finding Lucas Paqueta who found space between Emmanuel Agbadou and Yerson Mosquera.
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Wolves then showed tremendous character, and it was Jorgen Strand Larsen – heavily linked with Newcastle – who came to the fore.
He first turned in a rebounded effort to get it back to 2-2, before then heading home Jackson Tchatchoua’s cross.
It was a chaotic game, but it’s a result that will do wonders for the dressing room.
Wolves player ratings vs West Ham United – Jorgen Strand Larsen with 8/10, Jackson Tchatchoua shines but Hwang struggles
Sam Johnstone – 5
A couple of poor balls out but a steady performance from Wolves’ number two. Made a couple of saves in the first-half. Couldn’t really do much for the two headers.
Yerson Mosquera – 6
Playing his first competitive minutes for Wolves in nearly a year, Mosquera looked confident and fairly solid. Looked to venture forward from the right of Wolves’ back three, but the final ball needs work. Replaced by Matt Doherty.
Emmanuel Agbadou – 5
Agbadou made a good start in the game and looked more focused and snuffed out several West Ham attacks. But his level dipped in the second half and he completely lost Lucas Paqueta for the second West Ham goal. Booked.
Santiago Bueno – 6
Probably not in his most comfortable position on the left of the back three, but it was actually a steady performance from the Uruguayan. Looked tidy on the ball.
Rodrigo Gomes – 6
Rodrigo Gomes celebrates after scoring for Wolves.
Photo by Wolverhampton Wanderers FC/Wolves via Getty Images
Preferred for a start over new signing Jackson Tchatchoua at right wing-back, Rodrigo played well and showed good sharpness to follow up Hwang’s missed penalty for the club’s first goal of the season. Lost Soucek on the West Ham equaliser, though. Replaced by Jackson Tchatchoua.
Hugo Bueno – 7
Hugo Bueno looked to get forward often and get the ball into the box. Great to see him try to whip the crowd up in the second-half when it was 1-1. Might have done more to stop Bowen’s cross for the second West Ham goal. But he was so positive, and it looks like he may have moved ahead of David Moller Wolfe in the pecking order.
Andre – 7
It will have stung for Andre to be benched at the weekend against Bournemouth. Turned in a solid if unspectacular performance. Booked.
Jean-Ricner Bellegarde – 6
His jink in the box drew the foul that won the penalty. A decent showing from the Frenchman in the middle alongside Andre. Replaced by Joao Gomes.
Fer Lopez – 5
Only just joined but has been entrusted with set-piece deliveries. Found it tough to get into the game. Was more lively in the second-half, but clearly needs some time to settle. Replaced by Jorgen Strand Larsen.
Jhon Arias – 6
Arias pressed well but struggled to have much of an impact for Wolves, although he looked dangerous in flashes. Made it too easy for Kyle Walker-Peters to get a cross in for Soucek on West Ham’s equaliser.
Hwang Hee-chan (C) – 4
Made captain for the night, the game was a real opportunity for Hwang. Balls into him didn’t really stick and there were some wasted passes. Cannoned his penalty against the post, and a night to forget for the South Korean.
Wolves players celebrating after scoring vs West Ham.
Photo by Wolverhampton Wanderers FC/Wolves via Getty Images
Substitutes
Joao Gomes – 8
He came on and just changed the game for Wolves. His energy and tenacity were fantastic. Wolves are simply a far worse outfit when he isn’t on the pitch.
Matt Doherty – 6
Jackson Tchatchoua – 7
A lively display from Wolves’ latest signing. Played very high up and grabbed his first assist, supplying Strand Larsen for the third goal. Showcased that electric pace of his with a surge in the 86th minute. His cameo may well have been good enough to earn him start against Everton this weekend.
Jorgen Strand Larsen – 8
Came off the bench and scored a brace, proving how important it will be to keep hold of him amid interest from Newcastle. The Norwegian’s two finishes were excellent, and his contributions just emphasis what a risk it would be to let him leave.