Wolverhampton Wanderers vs West Ham United

At Molineux Stadium, Wolverhampton Wanderers delivered a thrilling Carabao Cup performance on 26 August 2025, edging out West Ham United 3–2 in a match that had everything from missed penalties to late heroics. The evening began with Wolves looking sharp, and their persistence paid off just before the break when Rodrigo Gomes capitalized on a rebound after Hwang Hee-chan’s penalty had struck the post, giving the hosts a deserved lead at halftime.

West Ham came out fighting in the second half, showing signs of the quality that has been missing from their recent league struggles. Tomáš Souček powered home a header in the 50th minute to level the contest, and just over ten minutes later Lucas Paquetá put the Hammers ahead with another well-taken header. For a spell, it looked as though West Ham had seized control, turning the tie in their favor with efficient set-piece play.

But Wolves refused to wilt under pressure, and their response came from the bench in the form of Jørgen Strand Larsen. Introduced in the final 20 minutes, the Norwegian forward stunned the visitors with a quickfire double—first blasting an equalizer in the 82nd minute, then rising two minutes later to nod home the winner at the near post. His impact not only lifted Wolves into the next round but also transformed the mood of the stadium from anxious to euphoric.

The night ended on a sour note for West Ham, whose frustrations boiled over when captain Jarrod Bowen appeared to clash with travelling supporters, removing his armband in a visible show of discontent before being ushered away by stewards. Combined with their ongoing winless run across all competitions, including heavy defeats in the Premier League, this latest setback highlighted the pressure building on the squad and its manager.

For Wolves, however, the result was more than just progression in the cup—it was a statement of resilience and a sign that Vítor Pereira’s side are growing in confidence. The fightback underlined their ability to respond under adversity, and with the energy from Larsen’s late cameo, Wolves left the pitch believing they can carry this momentum forward. For West Ham, the search for answers continues, while Wolves savor a night that showcased grit, determination, and a never-say-die spirit.

Watch and Download Wolverhampton Wanderers vs West Ham United full match replay and highlights, At Tuesday, August 26, 2025. The match played at Molineux Stadium, in EFL Cup, England.

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