James Ward-Prowse delivered a crucial goal directly from a corner, granting West Ham a valuable victory against Wolves in the Premier League. However, the celebratory mood was dampened by concerns over Jarrod Bowen’s injury.
Ward-Prowse’s remarkable 84th-minute strike swerved past Wolves’ goalkeeper Jose Sa and found the net at the far post, sealing a comeback in the second half. This came after Lucas Paqueta equalized Pabio Sarabia’s penalty with a confidently converted spot-kick.
Despite the triumph, David Moyes’ elation was overshadowed by Bowen’s injury. The English forward seemed to sustain a hip injury after an awkward fall early in the second half.
Despite attempting to continue, it became evident that he needed to be substituted. Bowen left the field slowly and headed straight to the dressing room.
The match concluded amid controversy, as Wolves had what they believed to be an equalizing goal disallowed in the ninth minute of stoppage time.
The decision was made for offside against substitute Tawanda Chirewa, who was judged to have obstructed Lukasz Fabianski, despite the Hammers’ goalkeeper being distant from Max Kilman’s header.
“It was a knee into his hip or back,” said Moyes. “The good thing is it isn’t a twist. But he is really stiff. I asked him how he was and he said ‘sore’.
“I have had one or two of those myself and they don’t go away too quickly. We have to hope it doesn’t linger.”
With 19 goals, Bowen is by far West Ham’s biggest attacking threat and would have been a key man in his club’s Europa League quarter-final first-leg tie in Germany on Thursday against a Bayer Leverkusen side yet to lose a game under Xabi Alonso this season.
“I am hoping it won’t be too bad – in this week of all weeks, we need all our big players to be ready,” Moyes added.
This win marks West Ham’s third Premier League victory of 2024, sustaining their aspirations of securing European qualification for an unprecedented fourth consecutive season based on their Premier League standing.
On the other hand, Wolves’ fourth consecutive game without a win across all competitions matches their longest streak of the season. This unfortunate run, exacerbated by injuries, poses challenges to Gary O’Neil’s aspirations for a top-half finish.
O’Neil fury but delight for Moyes
Following the match, O’Neil immediately approached referee Tony Harrington, who had made the call to disallow what could have been Wolves’ late equalizer after consulting the pitchside monitor.
Wolves believe they have faced numerous unfavorable decisions this season, and this latest one will undoubtedly add to their frustration.
However, Moyes is unlikely to be bothered by Wolves’ grievances as West Ham drew level on points with his former team, Manchester United.
Interestingly, former Nottingham Forest manager Steve Cooper was spotted in the stands, observing a match that epitomizes what irritates West Ham supporters about Moyes. Moyes’ future beyond the current season remains uncertain, as he has yet to confirm whether he will accept the contract extension reportedly offered to him.
Moyes made the tactical decision to bench Michail Antonio and field Paqueta as his wide left attacking option. Despite an unexpected miss from Tomas Soucek, who stumbled on the ball with an open goal in sight, West Ham struggled to assert themselves offensively in the first half.
Antonio’s introduction at halftime altered the dynamics of the game significantly. With Antonio pressing Wolves’ defense, the home side found it challenging to alleviate the mounting pressure around their penalty area.
After Kilman handled Emerson’s cross, Paqueta remained composed and slotted the ball past Jose Sa’s outstretched dive by the narrowest of margins.
Then, following Matt Doherty’s intervention to deny Mohammed Kudus a shooting opportunity, Ward-Prowse delivered a precise strike from the corner flag that proved insurmountable for Wolves’ defense.
Ait-Nouri shines in Wolves defeat
If Julen Lopetegui had remained as Wolves manager this season instead of resigning just before its commencement, it’s difficult to envision Rayan Ait-Nouri making the impact he has.
Under Lopetegui, the Algerian featured in only two Premier League matches. While one of those games resulted in a remarkable victory against Liverpool, it was evident that Lopetegui didn’t favor him.
However, with an extended opportunity provided by O’Neil, Ait-Nouri has unequivocally proven the imprudence of Lopetegui’s decision-making.
Apparently, the issue stemmed from Ait-Nouri’s attitude. O’Neil has diligently addressed this aspect along with the defender’s fitness.
The outcome is a much more resolute player, adept at the back but also a potent threat when he embarks on attacking runs, as witnessed during Wolves’ injury-plagued latter half of the season.
Ait-Nouri had already showcased his attacking prowess by winning a corner with a remarkable run from deep that culminated in a blocked shot. Subsequently, he charged into the box, earning Wolves a penalty in the first half.
While Moyes may have questioned the decision, Sarabia’s successful conversion was a fitting reward based on the overall performance.
As for Ait-Nouri, it marked yet another significant contribution, prompting discussions regarding his intricate contractual situation.
Currently, Wolves are obligated to a 50% sell-on clause, part of the £9.5m deal that brought him from the French club Angers in 2020. Nevertheless, the contract can be bought out at any juncture.
Based on his recent performances, Wolves are undoubtedly inclined to exercise this option, given that Ait-Nouri’s current value far surpasses his initial purchase price, and he is certain to attract interest from larger and wealthier clubs this summer.