West Ham United finally got their Championship season up and running with a 4-2 victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers at the London Stadium. The win lifts Nuno Espirito Santo's side out of the relegation zone and up to 11th in the table, a significant boost after starting the campaign with two draws and a loss.
This result was vital for a team that had managed just two points from its first three games, sitting 19th with a goal difference of minus one. The Hammers were seven points behind league leaders Charlton Athletic before kick-off, making this three-point haul essential. You can see how the table has shifted on our standings page.
How did West Ham United take control?
Manchester City loanee Divine Mukasa broke the deadlock after 33 minutes with a spectacular long-range effort. Jarrod Bowen then doubled the advantage just four minutes before half-time, converting a penalty after Joel Piroe was fouled in the area. That two-goal cushion gave the home side a platform they would not relinquish, despite a spirited Wolves fightback after the interval.
Wolves halved the deficit eight minutes into the second half through Marshall Monetsi. Konstantinos Mavropanos restored West Ham's two-goal lead on 64 minutes, finishing from close range after a header from an Arne Engels corner was blocked. The game was finally put beyond doubt when a low cross from Jackson Tchatchoua was turned into his own net by Wolves defender Max Kilman.
What did the managers say after the match?
West Ham boss Nuno Espirito Santo, who previously managed Wolves, acknowledged his team is still finding its rhythm. "It was a good game and a much-needed win. I'm very happy for our fans," he told the BBC. He added that new signings need time to adapt, with some having joined just one or two weeks ago without a full pre-season.
Wolves manager Cesar Peixoto felt the scoreline was harsh on his side, who hit the woodwork twice through Raul Jimenez and Mane. "It was not the result we wanted," Peixoto said. "It was unfair, because we created a lot of chances and West Ham scored, we didn't."
Where does this leave West Ham United now?
The victory provides a crucial momentum shift. Before this match, West Ham had scored four and conceded five goals across their opening fixtures. This offensive outburst, while conceding twice, shows both promise and areas for defensive improvement. The team's immediate focus turns to building on this performance.
Nuno will be encouraged by Mukasa's debut goals and Bowen's continued reliability from the spot. The squad's depth will be tested quickly with another home game coming up. You can view the full schedule on our fixtures list.
What is next for the Hammers?
Attention now turns to a quick turnaround and another London Stadium fixture. West Ham United host Derby County on Saturday, September 5th. Derby began the day 21st in the Championship, making it another important opportunity for Nuno's men to climb the table. Securing back-to-back wins would completely transform the early-season narrative around the club.
You can check the availability of players for that match on our injuries page. The team will look to carry the confidence from this four-goal display into the meeting with Derby.
