Wolves travelled to London stadium to take on West Ham United who were pointless from their first three games. The Hammers freefall didn’t stop as they succumbed to a fourth straight defeat as the West Midlands outfit nicked the game in the dying minutes. Substitute Adama Traore scored the winning goal to give crucial three points to Nuno Espirito Santo before the international break.
The game lacked quality in the final third for the most parts from both the sides. Wolves started on the front foot and had more possession but weren’t able to make it count. The goal came about from an unfortunate mistake from West Ham’s midfielder Carlos Sanchez who was caught napping by Ruben Neves. He swiftly turned the ball into attack and Traore slotted in a neat finish past Lukasz Fabianski to give his side their first win of the season.
Here is how all the Wolves players fared against the Hammers.
Rui Patricio 8
Hardly put a foot wrong in the game. Made two crucial saves to keep the Hammers at bay. Special mention for his spectacular save against Marko Arnautovic where he took the ball to his face from close range.
Conor Coady 6
The captain put in a decent performance for most parts of the game but was easily turned over by Marko Arnautovic which gave him a glorious opportunity to score. However, he was rescued by his Portuguese custodian who made a fantastic save.
Willy Boly 7
Was the standout defender this week as he had an answer to everything which the Hammer threw at him.
Ryan Bennett 6.5
Had a decent afternoon on the right side of defence as he kept Felipe Anderson in check. Conceded one or two needless fouls.
Jonny Castro 5.5
Was found lacking while going forward. One can say he was average on the day.
Ruben Neves 6.5
Was not at his usual best but still influenced the game quite a lot. Started the move which Raul Jimenez should have buried with a brilliant cross-field ball. In the end, his perseverance paid off as he won the ball in the attacking half from Carlos Sanchez which was later turned in by Traore.
Joao Moutinho 6
Didn’t have a spectacular day but can’t also fault him for much. Could have contributed more on the defensive front.
Matt Doherty 6.5
Held his own in the wing back role and perfectly set up a low cross for Jimenez on the platter to finish which he missed. Always looked threatening while going forward.
Diogo Jota 5
Nuno Santo would have expected much more from him in the final third. Lacked quality in his deliveries from the wide region.
Helder Costa 5
Made one or two surging runs in the box but just like his fellow winger lacked quality for the most parts of the game.
Raul Jimenez 5
Didn’t have much service as the match was often played in midfield and the wingers weren’t able to involve him more in the game. But when presented with an opportunity, he fluffed his line from a close range. He would be glad that Traore scored the winner to secure the win. His work rate was a big plus.
Substitutes
Adama Traore 7.5
There is a reason why we have been calling on him to start. Got the golden chance which he finished well. One could make out how the defenders were on the back foot whenever he was on the ball. Drew quite a few numbers of fouls since he came on and made a good case for himself to start in the next game.
Leo Bonatini 6.5
Played close to 20 minutes and did an excellent job of picking out Traore from which he scored.
Ruben Vinagre N/A
Came on late to run the clock down.
