Wolverhampton Wanderers 3-2 West Ham United: Highlights, man of the match, stats as Jorgen Strand Larsen wins EFL Cup clash

Wolverhampton Wanderers forgot their dismal start to the season for one night as they beat West Ham United 3-2 at Molineux in the EFL Cup's second round on Tuesday.

Vitor Pereira's side created just 0.02 xG from open play in the first half, but they took the lead in the 43rd minute when Rodrigo Gomes fired home the rebound from Hwang Hee-chan's missed penalty, though Alphonse Areola could have done better to prevent the opener.

Graham Potter's West Ham came out with a renewed vigour in the second period and found an equaliser within five minutes courtesy of a header from the ever-reliable Tomas Soucek, assisted by an excellent cross from new right-back Kyle Walker-Peters.

Just beyond the hour mark, Jarrod Bowen picked out Lucas Paqueta with a fantastic whipped cross from the right flank, and the Brazilian made no mistake, putting the visitors in front with a header of his own.

However, Wolves striker Jorgen Strand Larsen came off the bench to notch an equaliser for the hosts, pouncing on another error from travelling goalkeeper Areola, before the third header of the evening saw the Norwegian win the tie on what could be his final appearance for the club.

SPORTS MOLE'S VERDICT

Wolves have lost talismanic forward Matheus Cunha and star left-back Rayan Ait Nouri this summer, and they could yet wave goodbye to match-winning striker Strand Larsen to Newcastle United before the transfer window slams shut.

Such departures have made Pereira's side one of the favourites to be relegated in 2025-26, even though the last six teams promoted to the Premier League have all been demoted immediately.

However, while Tuesday night's performance was less than perfect, especially in the first half, the comeback could give fans some hope that their club can fight for survival against the odds this term.

As for West Ham, they have - like Wolves - lost both of their first two league matches, and losing late on after recovering could damage morale.

Potter already seems to be under pressure at the London Stadium, and he has his work cut out for him if he is to turn things around at the London Stadium.

WOLVERHAMPTON WANDERERS VS. WEST HAM UNITED HIGHLIGHTS

43rd min: Wolverhampton Wanderers 1-0 West Ham United (Rodrigo Gomes)

After Guido Rodriguez brings down Jean-Ricner Bellegarde in the box, Wolves' Hwang hits the left post from the spot kick, but Gomes is on hand to fire in the rebound.

Areola could have done better having got a hand on Gomes's strike, but the Old Gold take the lead!

50th min: Wolverhampton Wanderers 1-1 West Ham United (Tomas Soucek)

James Ward-Prowse sees his penalty appeal waved away on the right wing, so he lays the ball off to summer signing Walker-Peters, who skilfully turns Jhon Arias near the edge of the box and clips a cross on his weak foot to Soucek at the far post, and the midfielder heads home an equaliser.

Lucas Paqueta goal vs. Wolverhampton Wanderers (63rd min, Wolverhampton Wanderers 1-2 West Ham United)

A diving header from Lucas Paqueta to get on the end of a brilliant cross from Jarrod Bowen and West Ham have turned it around at Molineux! ? pic.twitter.com/n9m8BsRvUQ
— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) August 26, 2025

West Ham have turned it around!

Walker-Peters makes a run forward on the right wing and drops the ball off to Bowen, who takes a touch, cuts inside and whips a precise cross to Paqueta, who dives to head the Hammers in front from close range in the centre of the goal.

Jorgen Strand Larsen goal vs. West Ham United (82nd min, Wolverhampton Wanderers 2-2 West Ham United)

Strand Larsen EQUALISES for Wolves! ? pic.twitter.com/Stu9OJeIZb
— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) August 26, 2025

Wolves sustain pressure on the opposition box, working the ball from the left wing to Andre, whose long-range strike from the edge of the area is poorly parried by Areola back into the danger zone in front of his goal, and substitute striker Strand Larsen reacts quickest to hit a first-time shot into the top-left corner from 12 yards out.

Jorgen Strand Larsen goal vs. West Ham United (84th min, Wolverhampton Wanderers 3-2 West Ham United)

WOW.

Two goals in two minutes for Jørgen Strand Larsen! ? pic.twitter.com/UEaOd4vWwf
— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) August 26, 2025

Two goals in two minutes for Strand Larsen has turned this five-goal thriller on its head!

The hosts once again apply pressure, and wing-back Jackson Tchatchoua, who only joined the club last week, picks out the striker inside the six-yard box between the West Ham centre-backs, where he nods his team ahead.

MAN OF THE MATCH - JORGEN STRAND LARSEN

The striker came off the bench with his team in peril and scored twice in two minutes to reverse what looked to be another frustrating evening for Wolves.

The Norwegian hitman has been linked with a move to Newcastle in recent days, and he will be a significant loss if he is to be sold.

WOLVERHAMPTON WANDERERS VS. WEST HAM UNITED MATCH STATS

Possession: Wolverhampton Wanderers 51%-49% West Ham United

Shots: Wolverhampton Wanderers 19-7 West Ham United

Shots on target: Wolverhampton Wanderers 6-4 West Ham United

Corners: Wolverhampton Wanderers 7-0 West Ham United

Fouls: Wolverhampton Wanderers 16-9 West Ham United

WHAT NEXT?

Up next for Wolves is a league clash against David Moyes's Everton at Molineux on Saturday, while West Ham will travel to face Nottingham Forest at the City Ground on Sunday.