West Ham put on their best performance of the season on Friday night, beating Wolverhampton Wanderers 4-0 at the London Stadium to climb out of the relegation zone for the first time since December. Konstantinos Mavropanos headed them in front before half-time, Taty Castellanos scored twice in two second-half minutes, and Mavropanos added a fourth late on. The win also had an indirect consequence: Tottenham, who lost at Sunderland on Sunday, dropped into the bottom three in West Ham's place.
Mavropanos heads West Ham in front
The opening goal came in the 42nd minute, and it was a good one. Jarrod Bowen's cross from the right was perfectly weighted — the kind of delivery that does half the work for the attacker — and Mavropanos timed his run and his header well, guiding the ball past José Sá. The Greek centre-back has been one of the more dependable figures in what has been a difficult West Ham season, and this was the kind of contribution that justified that reputation. The London Stadium released a lot of pent-up tension in one go. The second half was going to be a different kind of evening.
Castellanos delivers the knockout blows
Whatever Wolves were hoping for at half-time, it lasted about two minutes. Castellanos scored twice in quick succession, and both goals were finishes rather than events — the first a close-range conversion after West Ham carved through Wolves' backline, the second a composed effort with minimal pressure on him. Two goals in two minutes from the same striker. The game was finished as a contest, and Wolves had nothing to offer in response. They went through the motions for the rest of the half, which you can't really blame them for.
Mavropanos seals the night
The fourth goal — a late volley from Mavropanos — completed the rout and gave the scoreline the look of a statement. Four goals, a clean sheet, against a direct relegation rival at home. West Ham have shown glimpses all season of being capable of this sort of performance. The consistency has been the problem. Whether Friday night was a turning point or just a good night is the question. With Tottenham now below them in the table after their own result at Sunderland, the position has shifted. West Ham aren't safe yet, but they have given themselves something to build on.
Result: West Ham 4-0 Wolverhampton Wanderers | Goals: Mavropanos (42', 90'+); Castellanos (2 goals, mid-second half) | Assist: Bowen | Venue: London Stadium | Competition: Premier League, Matchday 32
0 Comments