West Ham United climbed to the top of the Championship after a dramatic 3-2 victory away to Bolton Wanderers on Tuesday. Jarrod Bowen scored twice, including a late winner, to secure a third straight win for Nuno Espírito Santo's side.
How did West Ham beat Bolton Wanderers?
The BBC reported that West Ham took the lead after 13 minutes through captain Jarrod Bowen. Bolton responded strongly, turning the game around with goals from Ethan Erhahon and a Ruben Rodrigues penalty. Konstantinos Mavropanos headed the Hammers level before the break, setting up a tense second half.
Bowen settled the contest in the 77th minute. His shot from a Joel Veltman cross slipped under Bolton's on-loan goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu. The win moved West Ham to the summit, though they have since slipped to eighth in the standings with eight points from five games. Bolton boss Steven Schumacher told BBC Radio Manchester his side did not deserve to lose but praised their improved display.
What are the stats for the Derby County match?
West Ham now turn their attention to a home fixture against Derby County this Saturday. According to BBC statistics, this will be the first league meeting between the clubs since December 2011. The Hammers have a strong historical record at home to Derby, losing just one of their last 16 such league games.
Teenager Divine Mukasa has been a bright spot, involved in seven goals in 12 Championship starts this season. The team's overall form shows 11 goals scored and seven conceded. They sit three points behind leaders Swansea City ahead of a busy period you can track on our fixtures page.
Should West Ham sign Jamie Vardy?
West Ham have been warned against a move for veteran striker Jamie Vardy. Former club scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that signing the 39-year-old free agent would be a "huge gamble." Brown argued Vardy can no longer provide the consistency needed for a promotion push, despite his famous name and availability.
Vardy scored seven Serie A goals for Cremonese last season. Interest from clubs like Wrexham and Sheffield Wednesday has been reported since the transfer window closed. For West Ham, the immediate need is for a striker who can handle a demanding 46-game schedule, a profile that may not fit a player nearing 40.
Who scored in the win over Derby County?
In their most recent outing, West Ham secured a comfortable 3-0 victory over Derby County at London Stadium. The club's official website, WHUFC.com, confirmed Joël Piroe opened the scoring with an early volley. Substitutes Edvin Austbø and Mohammed Kanté then netted their first goals for the club to seal the win.
The result provided a first clean sheet of the league campaign and continued a positive goal-scoring run. It also came despite injuries to key players like Tomáš Souček and Valentín Castellanos, whose status is listed on our injuries page. Nuno Espírito Santo's team next face Wrexham at home on September 11.
