Jørgen Strand Larsen is an important piece in Wolverhampton’s fight to secure a new Premier League contract. On Tuesday night, he was the match-winner as Wolves beat West Ham 1-0 – with the Norwegian as the sole scorer.
There is still a long way to go before the top spot in the Premier League’s top scorer list, Mohamed Salah, who will soon sign a new contract with Liverpool and has 27 goals. With his 10 goals, which Jørgen Strand Larsen signaled by keeping 10 fingers in the air after scoring, is now in 12th place. – (The Norwegian 25-year-old striker from Halden will have a problem with the signaling of goals if there is a goal number 11.)
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Jørgen Strand Larsen scored the goal after 21 minutes at Molineux Stadium. – A very important goal that before today’s games ensured that Wolverhampton are a full 12 points above the red line. Bad news for Ipswich, Leichester and Southampton who now all, almost no matter what they do going forward, are relegated to the Championship.
Strand Larsen in storm form
The Norwegian was also the hero in Wolves’ 2-1 win over Southampton before the international break, where he scored both goals. However, he had to sit out Norway’s World Cup qualifiers due to a broken hand, but on Tuesday he was back in the starting lineup – and once again proved his worth.
The goal came after a nice combination: Strand Larsen started the attack with an elegant heel kick on a throw-in. When West Ham player Kostas Mavropanos tried to clear the ball, it ended up straight to Marshall Munetsi, who passed it on to the Norwegian.
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From around 20 yards, Strand Larsen hit a shot that finished off Max Kilman and sailed past West Ham goalkeeper Alphonse Areola.
Wolves dominated – West Ham close equaliser
Munetsi could have doubled the lead just two minutes later, but his shot hit the crossbar.
West Ham also had chances, including through Evan Ferguson, but it was Wolves who controlled the most. Even before Strand Larsen’s goal, Areola had to save a dangerous shot from Toti Gomes.
In the second half, West Ham pushed for an equaliser, but were unable to break Wolves’ defence. Niclas Füllkrug hit the crossbar with a header, and Emerson missed the rebound. Tomas Soucek also had a great chance just before the end, but Wolves held off and secured three important points.
Strand Larsen: – Important to contribute
After the game, Strand Larsen emphasized how pleased he is to be back on the field:
“It feels incredibly good to score again, especially after the injury. I’m happy to be able to contribute to the team and now I just want to keep working hard,” he told Sky Sports.
Wolves coach Gary O’Neil also praised the Norwegian:
“Jørgen is in fantastic shape. He works hard, is clinical in front of goal, and he is an important player for us.
Table safety
With this win, Wolves are in 14th place in the Premier League, but with a solid buffer down to the relegation battle. West Ham, on the other hand, who are in 8th place, still have to fight to secure a place in Europe.
Next round:
Wolves face Fulham away, while West Ham host Tottenham at the London Stadium.
(Sources: BBC, Sky Sports, Wolves Official)
