Larsen Strikes as Wolves Triumph Over West Ham, Nearly Sealing Premier League Survival

Wolverhampton Wanderers have effectively dispelled any significant fears of relegation from the Premier League following a strong 1-0 victory over West Ham United, marking their fifth triumph in the last seven home encounters against the Hammers.

As both teams approached the last stretch of the season seemingly trapped in a middle ground, there was no shortage of enthusiasm on display from either side in the early exchanges.

Evan Ferguson missed an opportunity to tap in after a dynamic run and low cross from Jarrod Bowen, which prompted the hosts to raise their intensity.

In the initial signs of a Wolves rally, Toti’s header from Rayan Ait-Nouri’s inswinging free-kick was expertly saved by Alphonse Areola.

However, the warning went unheeded, and Jorgen Strand Larsen, who netted a brace before the international break, pounced on a loose ball just outside the area, smashing it into the near post with a slight deflection off former Wolves defender Maximilian Kilman.

Just moments later, Wolves came close to increasing their lead as Marshall Munetsi struck the crossbar following a set-up by Strand Larsen.

The Hammers responded with an improved performance, beginning to create some chances of their own, but it prompted Graham Potter to make numerous changes at half-time.

The visitors exhibited enhanced overall play as a result, yet they still struggled to get their forwards involved, with missed opportunities for both Jean-Ricner Bellegarde and Strand Larsen indicating that the second half would not unfold without contention.

In fact, it was not until the final 15 minutes that the Hammers posed a real threat, as Lucas Paqueta’s cross was nodded onto the bar by returning Niclas Füllkrug, with Edson Alvarez unable to capitalise on the rebound as he skewed wide.

However, the best opportunity for the Hammers came in the 89th minute when Füllkrug smartly slipped the ball through to Tomáš Souček, who unfortunately blazed his effort into the side netting with only José Sá to beat.

Wolves successfully weathered the storm to secure the win, and their current 12-point advantage all but assures them of survival, especially considering that none of the teams in the bottom three have tasted victory in the league since February 1st.

The situation is equally concerning for West Ham, allowing Potter to concentrate on solidifying his tactical vision as they approach the final eight matches without the looming threat of relegation.