PL: Strand Larsen strike fires Wolves to 1-0 victory over West Ham

Wolverhampton Wanderers secured a crucial victory over West Ham United, moving further from the relegation zone, thanks to a stellar performance by Jorgen Strand Larsen. 

The Norwegian striker found the net for the third time in two games, marking his 10th Premier League goal of the season.

Despite sitting out the international break due to a fractured hand, the 25-year-old made a triumphant return to the pitch. With Wolves’ key player Matheus Cunha still suspended, Strand Larsen stepped up to convert a well-crafted opportunity just inside the penalty area in the 21st minute.

The goal came after an impressive solo run by Joao Gomes, aided by a slight deflection off Max Kilman, a former Wolves defender now playing for West Ham.

West Ham never really got going in the first half, although Evan Ferguson – making his first start for the club since his January loan move from Brighton – should have converted Jarrod Bowen’s cut-back at the far post 13 minutes in.

Boss Graham Potter made three changes at half-time with Carlos Soler, Niclas Fullkrug and Edson Alvarez all introduced, and the visitors immediately offered more of an attacking threat.

German forward Fullkrug – returning from a hamstring injury that had kept him out since early January – almost made an instant impact, but sliced his finish horribly off target after finding himself behind the Wolves backline.

The Hammers continued to probe and dominate possession, forcing the home side to play on the break, and Strand Larsen fired narrowly wide from a Matt Doherty pull-back after a fast counter-attack.

West Ham thought they deserved a penalty when Doherty appeared to catch Fullkrug in the face with a high boot, but a video assistant referee (VAR) check upheld referee Tony Harrington’s on-field decision.

They went agonisingly close again when Fullkrug hit the bar with a towering header, although the offside flag would have ruled it out.

Midfielder Tomas Soucek should have levelled when played through on goal in the 90th minute, but he dragged his effort wide with only keeper Jose Sa to beat.

Wolves had a chance to wrap up the success on the break, but Munetsi prodded wide after Strand Larsen played him in.

A fourth home victory of the season moved Vitor Pereira’s side 12 points clear of the relegation zone, although they remain 17th in the table and five points behind West Ham.

The Hammers missed the opportunity to move above Everton and Tottenham Hotspur for the night.