West Ham beat Wolves 3-0 on Sunday as David Moyes’ side put on a counter-attacking clinic.
Lucas Paqueta bagged a hat trick of assists as West Ham tore Wolves apart on the counter attack to seal a big win.
Mohammed Kudus scored twice in the first half, then Jarrod Bowen added a late clincher as Wolves’ Pablo Sarabia had a goal ruled out by VAR for offside when it was 2-0.
With the win West Ham move on to 27 points to firmly put their 5-0 defeat at Fulham in midweek behind them. Wolves remain on 19 points.
Dangerous Hammers have increased quality
The trio of Paqueta, Bowen and Kudus showcased why West Ham can beat anyone on their day. Over the last few years David Moyes’ side often set up to be tough to beat, sit back and then hit teams on the counter and from set pieces. This year is no different but they now have new and current players in the attacking areas who have taken their games to a new level. Bowen and Paqueta have kicked on and improved again, while Kudus adds incredible speed and clinical finishing and James Ward-Prowse’s wonderful deliveries lead to so many chances for West Ham’s massive team who for a long time have been one of the best in the Premier League when it comes to set-piece goals. There are weaknesses to West Ham’s game and they may not be the most attractive or adventurous side to watch. But their win against Wolves on Sunday showed they have improved their strengths massively this season.
West Ham vs Wolves player ratings
The Hammers were superb on the counter with Paqueta, Bowen and Kudus the perfect trio for that gameplan. Paqueta was sensational on the ball and both Kudus and Bowen ran directly at goal at Wolves couldn’t handle them. Via our friends at FotMob.com, here are the player ratings.
What’s next?
West Ham head to Liverpool on Wednesday, Dec. 20 for a League Cup quarterfinal, then host Manchester United on Saturday, Dec. 23. Wolves host Chelsea on Dec. 24.
How to watch West Ham vs Wolves live, stream link and start time
Kick off: 9am ET, Sunday (Dec. 17)
TV Channel: Peacock Premium
Online: Stream Premier League on Peacock
West Ham vs Wolves live updates! - By Joe Prince-Wright
Full time: West Ham 3-0 Wolves
That was a comfortable win, in the end, for West Ham. They were excellent on the counter and despite Wolves having more of the ball they couldn’t create enough big chances.
Jarrod Bowen seals the win - West Ham 3-0 Wolves (74th minute)
Another Paqueta assist and another lethal counter attack as West Ham surely seal the win. Paqueta with a clever flick around the corner to Bowen and he races in on goal and finishes into the far corner for his 10th goal of the season. Job done for the Hammers who have been ruthless today.
No goal for Wolves - VAR rules out Pablo Sarabia’s goal
Wolves think they are back in this as Semedo crosses for Sarabia to tap home but VAR has a look and Sarabia is just offside when the ball is played. No goal but with half an hour to go, Wolves are having a real go.
Half time: West Ham 2-0 Wolves
Two great counterattacking goals from Mohammed Kudus (Lucas Paqueta set them both up) is the difference. West Ham have played well but Wolves are looking dangerous themselves. An early goal in the second half for Wolves and this will get interesting but West Ham definitely deserve to be ahead.
So close to 3-0 for West Ham
How unlucky is Jarrod Bowen there!? He takes a couple of touches to set himself and his shot hits the inside of the post, bounces out and Wolves clear. Moments later Bowen goes down in the box and wants a penalty kick but nothing is given.
Mohammed Kudus scored again as Paqueta finds him on the counter - West Ham 2-0 Wolves (32nd minute)
Another wonderful counter from West Ham as Paqueta finds Kudus, he runs towards goal and then sends Bentley the wrong way as he tucks home into the bottom corner. Majestic.
Mohammed Kudus scores a beauty on the counter - West Ham 1-0 Wolves (22nd minute)
What a goal from Mohammed Kudus! From a Wolves corner, West Ham launch a superb counter and Kudus runs 50 yards to get on the through ball, cuts inside and smashes home at the near post. Brilliant finish but Bentley won’t be delighted with his positioning on that goal.
Hammers start well
Very good start from the home side as Ward-Prowse is whipping in dangerous corners, Jarrod Bowen is buzzing around and Emerson is flying forward from left back. Bowen nearly scored from a corner but Bentley tips it over. Moyesy will be happy with this start.
West Ham lineup
Fabianski; Coufal, Zouma, Aguerd, Emerson; Ward-Prowse, Alvarez, Soucek; Kudus, Bowen, Paqueta
Wolves lineup
Bentley; Semedo, Dawson, Kilman, Toti; Lemina, Joao Gomes, Bellegarde; Sarabia, Hwang Cunha
West Ham focus, team news
OUT: Michail Antonio (knee)
Wolves focus, team news
OUT: Jonny (disciplinary - club), Joe Hodge (shoulder), Pedro Neto (thigh)