Julen Lopetegui came out on top in the managers' battle under pressure as West Ham beat Wolves 2-1 at the London Stadium.
Tomas Soucek and Jarrod Bowen scored second-half goals either side of Matt Doherty's strike to give the Hammers a huge boost – and land Wolves manager Gary O'Neill in big trouble.
The defeat left Wolves four points from safety in 19th place, with the Irons now nine points clear of the relegation zone.
Both managers entered the match dubbed “El Sackico” under immense pressure and this appeared to spill over onto the field during a tense opening that lacked quality.
The only moment of note came in the ninth minute when… Fans showed their support for injured striker Michail AntonioWho remains in the hospital after being involved in a car accident on Saturday.
But both could have easily taken the lead at half-time after two big chances for both sides in the final 10 minutes before half-time.
The first came the visitors' way, with Totti Gomez somehow missing the target after two brilliant passes from Jurgen Strand Larsen and Matt Doherty.
It was then the Hammers' turn to waste a golden opportunity, as defender Kostas Mavropanos was unable to block his shot after former Wolves captain Max Kilman headed a corner kick across the goal.
The hosts took the lead shortly after half-time through a familiar source – Soucek from a corner kick.
The Czech midfielder scored the 10th corner of the match as he netted his fourth goal of the season after heading Jarrod Bowen's shot across goal and over Gomez into the far corner.
Tomas Soucek scores a wonderful goal for West Ham! ⚔️ pic.twitter.com/cyyIWkAs1q
– Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) December 9, 2024
Mohamed Quddus thought he had doubled West Ham's lead after finishing off Bowen's effort from the left, but a lengthy VAR check deemed the goal to be offside, handing a lifeline to Wolves and O'Neill.
Wolves were left furious at having a penalty turned down with just over 20 minutes remaining after Emerson brought down Goncalo Guedes inside the box, but nothing was given after another VAR check.
But it didn't matter as Doherty scored a big goal, scoring with his left foot after Rayan Ait Nouri's pass.
Matt Doherty brings Wolves back into the mix! 🐺🔥 pic.twitter.com/Pe58XxTWhE
– Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) December 9, 2024
But O'Neill's reprieve was short-lived, as Wolves had just finished their celebration, Bowen opening up his body and finding the angle for a huge goal.
West Ham is back at the forefront again!
Jarrod Bowen with a touch of sophistication 😮💨 pic.twitter.com/mr7ZAYmGiV
– Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) December 9, 2024
Wolves were denied two more penalties before West Ham put the ball into the net again, but another Kudus effort was disallowed.
