Wolverhampton Wanderers defeated West Ham United 3-2 in a thrilling Carabao Cup second-round match at Molineux, thanks to a late brace from substitute Jorgen Strand Larsen. The Norwegian striker, who is reportedly a transfer target for Newcastle, came off the bench in the 73rd minute to score two goals in quick succession, turning the game around for Wolves.
The match started slowly, with both teams struggling to create clear-cut chances. West Ham's Tomáš Souček had the first meaningful effort in the 25th minute, but his shot was saved by Wolves goalkeeper Sam Johnstone. Wolves eventually took the lead in the 43rd minute when Rodrigo Gomes scored after Hwang Hee-chan's penalty hit the post and rebounded.
West Ham came back strong in the second half, with Souček heading in an equaliser in the 50th minute from a Kyle Walker-Peters cross. Lucas Paquetá then put the Hammers ahead in the 63rd minute with another header from a Jarrod Bowen cross.
With West Ham seemingly in control, Wolves manager Vitor Pereira made a tactical switch, bringing on Jorgen Strand Larsen in the 73rd minute. The substitution proved to be a masterstroke, as Larsen scored twice in the space of two minutes to snatch the victory for Wolves. In the 82nd minute, Larsen fired into the roof of the net after Alphonse Areola parried Andre's shot. Just two minutes later, he headed home Jackson Tchatchoua's cross to complete the comeback.
The late goals sparked wild celebrations at Molineux, as Wolves secured their place in the third round of the Carabao Cup. For West Ham, the defeat added to their woes, with manager Graham Potter under increasing pressure after a poor start to the season.
The draw for the third round of the Carabao Cup will be held live on Sky Sports Football following the conclusion of the Grimsby vs. Manchester United game. The ties are scheduled to take place during the weeks commencing September 15 and September 22.