West Ham demolish Wolves to boost survival hopes and drop Tottenham into bottom three

Approaching the fixture merely one point from safety, West Ham recognised that a win would elevate them above the relegation places, at the cost of their rivals Tottenham.

In spite of that motivation, Wolves took the early initiative in East London, with André smashing a long range shot just over the crossbar.

The Hammers gradually found their rhythm, yet they squandered a prime opportunity to go ahead when Crysencio Summerville blazed over from close range following an exquisite chipped ball from Mateus Fernandes.

The teams traded threats as the opening half unfolded, Jarrod Bowen having a weak shot easily gathered by José Sá, while Adam Armstrong failed to outwit Mads Hermansen with a near post header.

With five straight home league victories in these matchups behind them, West Ham ramped up the intensity before the break, and their efforts paid off in the 42nd minute as Bowen’s curling cross was expertly nodded into the net by Mavropanos.

The action stayed lively at the start of the second half, both squads hitting the frame of the goal within a mere 60 seconds.

Angel Gomes first bent a free kick tantalisingly off the upright for the away team, then Bowen sliced inside from the right and crashed a precise drive against the post.

Refusing to be outdone, West Ham extended their advantage in the 66th minute, Castellanos linking up lethally with his forward colleague Pablo for a composed finish by the Argentine.

Nuno Espírito Santo’s team smelled weakness and struck again two minutes later, Bowen assisting Castellanos whose shot took a deflection and rolled into the corner.

Seizing full control, West Ham pressed on and grabbed a fourth in the closing stages via Mavropanos, who spectacularly volleyed in from Bowen’s set piece to seal the result and escape the danger area.

For Rob Edwards’ outfit, demotion to the second tier might arrive as soon as next week following a 16th away game without a victory this term (D5, L11).