West Ham’s CL push back on track as Soucek seals win over Wolves

West Ham reignited their push for a top-four finish with a hard-fought 1-0 win over Champions League qualification rivals Wolves at the London Stadium.

Tomas Soucek’s goal (59) was enough to hand David Moyes’ side just their second win in six league games to move within two points of fourth-placed Manchester United after they drew 0-0 at home to relegation-threatened Watford on Saturday. The Hammers are fifth, ahead of Arsenal on goal difference.

Wolves boss Bruno Lage decided to make five changes after Thursday’s 2-1 defeat at Arsenal with Raul Jimenez, Daniel Podence and Joao Moutinho dropping to the bench. It proved costly for his side, who were only able to register one shot on target, and remain eighth, seven points off fourth.

Soucek scored from close-range after a cut-back from Michail Antonio put it on a plate for the midfielder on his 27th birthday, following some bad Wolves defending at a throw-in.

Jarrod Bowen was presented with a chance to double their lead less than 10 minutes later, as he was found unmarked in the area by Pablo Fornals, only to rush the opportunity and hit it straight at Jose Sa.

The visitors pushed hard for an equaliser, bringing Jimenez and Podence off the bench, but were kept out well by West Ham, with Kurt Zouma playing a starring role at the back for the Hammers.

Wolves offered almost nothing going forward for the opening 45 minutes – failing to register a shot on target – but Hwang Hee-chan had the best chance of the half, firing wide after the ball was cleared to him in the box just before the break.

West Ham captain Declan Rice came closest for the home side in the first half, with his long-range effort striking the post from the edge of the area.

West Ham send support for Ukraine

West Ham forward Andriy Yarmolenko was left out for Sunday’s match on compassionate leave following the invasion of his country Ukraine by Russia.

The London Stadium projected an image of support for their forward and Ukraine, which read: “Sending love and prayers to Andriy Yarmolenko and the people of Ukraine”.

Rice led out the West Ham team and as they lined up, he raised a Yarmolenko shirt, as the in-screen stadium screen showed the same message of support before kick-off.

What’s next?

West Ham will face Southampton in the fifth round of the FA Cup on Wednesday night at 7.30pm, before returning to Premier League action against Liverpool on Saturday at 5.30pm, live on Sky Sports.

Wolves will next take on Crystal Palace in the Premier League on Saturday; kick-off 3pm.