West Ham United finally claimed their first Championship victory of the season as Divine Mukasa scored twice in a thrilling 4-2 win over Wolves at London Stadium.
The 19-year-old produced the breakthrough with a superb long-range strike after 33 minutes before Jarrod Bowen doubled West Ham’s advantage from the penalty spot nine minutes later. Sky Sports described Mukasa’s opener as a spectacular long-range effort.
Marshall Munetsi pulled one back just before half-time, but Mukasa struck again eight minutes after the restart before Konstantinos Mavropanos made it 4-1. The Greek defender later turned into his own net, but West Ham held on for a badly needed three points.
Divine Mukasa inspires West Ham against Wolves
Nuno Espírito Santo made four changes from the side which drew 1-1 at Watford, recalling Mavropanos, Ollie Scarles, Joël Piroe and Pablo.
That meant Valentín Castellanos dropped to the bench despite scoring at Vicarage Road, while Mukasa retained his place in midfield alongside Arne Engels.
Read our full breakdown of Nuno’s starting XI and four changes against Wolves.
The biggest decision paid off spectacularly.
West Ham had endured a difficult opening half-hour before Mukasa transformed the mood inside London Stadium in the 33rd minute.
The teenager collected possession outside the penalty area and unleashed a brilliant long-range strike beyond José Sá to give the Hammers the lead.
It was Mukasa’s first Championship goal and another major moment for a young player who has increasingly forced his way into Nuno’s plans.
West Ham then received the opportunity to extend their advantage shortly before half-time.
Bowen converted from the penalty spot in the 42nd minute to make it 2-0, seemingly putting the hosts firmly in control.
Wolves responded almost immediately.
Munetsi struck in the 44th minute to reduce the deficit and send West Ham into the interval only one goal ahead.
Mukasa strikes again as West Ham pull clear
Any fear of another West Ham collapse quickly disappeared after the restart.
Mukasa scored his second of the evening in the 53rd minute, restoring the two-goal advantage and completing a remarkable brace.
Nuno then made his first changes three minutes later, with Castellanos replacing Piroe and Joël Veltman coming on for Kyle Walker-Peters.
West Ham’s fourth arrived in the 64th minute.
Mavropanos, back in the side after missing the Watford draw, found the net to put the Hammers 4-1 ahead and seemingly finish the contest.
There was still time for an unwanted twist for the defender.
Mavropanos scored an own goal five minutes later to reduce West Ham’s advantage to 4-2.
Nuno responded by introducing Mohamadou Kanté and Keiber Lamadrid, with Mukasa leaving the pitch after an outstanding individual performance.
Deadline-day signing Edvin Austbø was also handed minutes late on, replacing Manor Solomon.
West Ham saw out the remaining stages to finally secure the Championship victory that had escaped them against Burnley, Charlton and Watford.
West Ham finally get Championship campaign moving
The importance of the result goes well beyond one entertaining night.
West Ham entered the fixture with only two points from their opening three league games, while Wolves arrived unbeaten and sitting second after collecting seven points from three matches.
Nuno’s side had drawn 2-2 at Burnley, lost 2-1 at home to Charlton and drawn 1-1 at Watford.
Victory therefore moves West Ham onto five points from four Championship matches and finally provides some momentum ahead of Saturday’s home game against Derby County.
More importantly, Nuno received a major answer from one of the youngest players in his squad.
Mukasa was already one of West Ham’s brighter performers during the defeat to Charlton and had earned another starting opportunity against Wolves.
Two goals later, his case for remaining in the Championship XI has become considerably stronger.
With West Ham simultaneously completing the Deadline Day signing of Morato, this has suddenly become a much more positive evening at London Stadium.
