Hammers ruin Wolves' return

Wolves' return to the Premier League ended in disappointment as they lost 2-0 to West Ham.

Noble and Upson create a feeling of anti-climax at Molineux

Wolves' return to the Premier League ended in disappointment as they lost 2-0 to West Ham at Molineux on Saturday. After a stint in the Championship, Mick McCarthy's side were hoping for a bright start, but goals from Mark Noble and Matthew Upson spoilt their celebrations. Wolves began well, but fell behind in the 22nd minute when England Under 21 midfielder Noble curled a brilliant effort past Wayne Hennessey. McCarthy's men came out with all guns blazing in the second half, and Robert Green saved well from impressive debutant Nenad Milijas and Sylvan Ebanks-Blake. Wolves, though, were punished for wasting their chances as Upson rose above a static home defence at a corner to head his team's second goal in the 69th minute to wrap up the points. The home side made a positive opening, and Ebanks-Blake headed over the bar from a good position in the 14th minute following a cross from Stephen Ward. Wolves were looking busy in front of their raucous supporters, clearly enjoying life back in the top flight. Andy Keogh then tried to curl a shot beyond goalkeeper Green, only for his effort to drift wide.

Caught napping

West Ham made the breakthrough after 22 minutes, with Wolves caught napping. Carlton Cole played the ball across the face of the area and Noble was given time and space to clip a shot over Hennessey. Wolves were stunned but hit back in the 29th minute when Andy Keogh released Matt Jarvis, but he could not get enough power or direction on his shot. It was West Ham, though, who looked dangerous every time they went on the counter-attack. Hennessey did well to parry Cole's effort and the ball broke to Kieron Dyer. He rattled in a shot, only for Jody Craddock to clear off the line and concede a corner. Noble picked out Herita Ilunga with his delivery but he headed over the bar from a good position. McCarthy's side were being exposed at the back and Jack Collison headed on Julien Faubert's long ball with ease in the 41st minute. Collison, though, failed to pick out a team-mate and the home side were able to clear. Wolves made a rousing start to the second half and Green did well to turn away Milijas' shot in the 47th minute after seeing it late.

Mistake

However West Ham almost added a second six minutes later following a mistake by skipper Craddock. He played in Collison, who homed in on goal. He looked certain to score from inside the six-yard area but tried to place it and Kevin Foley cleared off the line. Collison was left shaking his head in frustration and little wonder after squandering a marvellous chance. Milijas then picked out Ebanks-Blake with a neat through ball, only for the alert Green to block his effort. Wolves continued to battle away, with Milijas their best creative option, but West Ham were looking comfortable and extended their lead as Upson nodded in at a corner. Milijas was given a rousing reception in the 90th minute when he was replaced by David Edwards. West Ham could have added a third in the 82nd minute but Jimenez's shot came back off Hennessey's chest. Wolves almost got a consolation goal a minute from time but Green blocked substitute Richard Stearman's effort.

Wolverhampton Wanderers	Team Statistics	West Ham United
0	Goals	2
0	1st Half Goals	1
6	Shots on Target	10
7	Shots off Target	3
7	Blocked Shots	4
8	Corners	6
9	Fouls	6
1	Offsides	7
0	Yellow Cards	0
0	Red Cards	0
78.1	Passing Success	80
15	Tackles	7
80	Tackles Success	71.4
45.8	Possession	54.2
62.9	Territorial Advantage	37.1