West Ham move back into top four with a win at Molineux

WOLVERHAMPTON, ENGLAND - APRIL 05: Jesse Lingard of West Ham United celebrates scoring his teams first goal during the Premier League match between Wolverhampton Wanderers and West Ham United at Molineux on April 05, 2021 in Wolverhampton, England. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)

With Chelsea and Spurs both slipping up this weekend the door way wide open for West Ham. David Moyes and his players knew a win would take them back into the Champions League places with eight games to play.

West Ham got off to a flying start with Jesse Lingard rounding off an excellent solo run to put the Hammers 1-0 after six minutes. Pablo Fornals then doubled West Ham’s lead less than ten minutes later. Just the start manager David Moyes would have hoped for in such a pivotal game.

Jarrod Bowen then stamped his mark on the game with a powerful near-post strike which flashed past Rui Patricio. Bowen replaced Michail Antonio moments before as the striker came off injured.

(Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)

West Ham 3-0 to the good would have been delighted with their first half performance away from home. Leander Dendoncker however was not prepared to let West Ham have it all their own way as he pulled one back for the hosts. The Belgian international netted just shy of the half time whistle meaning the score was 3-1 at the break.

West Ham blew a 3-0 lead in their previous game against Arsenal and knew they could not afford a repeat of that. The Londoners were solid for most of the second half as Wolves searched for a second. In the 68^th minute that second goal came from substitute Fabio Silva. The 18 year-olds third Premier League goal since joining last summer from Porto.

Wolves still had time to rescue a point however West Ham stood strong to claim a priceless three points. The Irons now move into fourth place as they search for a first ever Champions League appearance.

Antonio to join Rice on West Ham injury list?

West Ham fans will hope the injury is not too serious at such a crucial stage in the season. Declan Rice who has been instrumental for his side this season will be side-lined for a number of weeks. Rice has not missed a game for the Hammers this season picked up an injury whilst on England duty last week.

Next up for David Moyes and his men, a third versus fourth encounter with Leicester City. This will undoubtably be a tough test for both sides in a huge game for. West Ham captain Mark Noble has said his side have “nothing to lose” as the seasons nears completion.