Wolves debrief: Marshall Munetsi energy, Raul Jimenez needs support and Ladislav Krejci boost

Wolves suffered their first defeat of the Cesar Peixoto era after losing 4-2 against West Ham United at the London Stadium.

Divine Mukasa bagged a brace for West Ham and was joined on the scoresheet by Jarrod Bowen and Konstantinos Mavropanos.

Marshall Munetsi briefly made it 2-1, before an own goal from Mavropanos rounded off the scoring at 4-2.

Munetsi energy

Wolves do have strong competition for places in the midfield and that has been illustrated by the way Marshall Munetsi has started the season.

He threatened to lead the comeback charge for Wolves, after breaking in behind his defender and steering a neat finish into the bottom corner.

In addition, Munetsi made a goal-line clearance to deny Max Kilman in the first half, although Jordan James also made a good impact from the bench, after his run forced Konstantinos Mavropanos to put through his own net.

Krejci boost amid defensive concerns

Ladislav Krejci was a surprise inclusion on the bench at the London Stadium, after weeks of speculation surrounding his future.

In the wake of that speculation, Krejci was omitted from the squad in each of Wolves’ opening three Championship fixtures, but Peixoto confirmed he will be staying at the club in his post-match press conference.

The Czechia captain has played just six minutes for Wolves in the Carabao Cup so far this term, but will certainly bolster the defence, after they shipped four goals at West Ham.

The next step will be how he responds after failing to secure a move away this summer.

Tchatchoua steps up

There were very few, if any, that particularly stood out for Wolves in the capital, but Jackson Tchatchoua at least showed positive signs.

The Cameroonian international has had his critics since joining the club from Hellas Verona in 2025, but has stepped up in the absence of the experienced Kieran Trippier of late.

Tchatchoua made a big early intervention to deny Joel Piroe from pouncing inside the six-yard box and also got through some really good attacking work down the right.

That eventually culminated in him having a major hand in Wolves’ second goal following a bright run and cutback for Jordan James, which was diverted into the West Ham net by Mavropanos.

Jimenez needs support

At the age of 35, it’s always going to be a difficult ask for Raul Jimenez to replicate the same performance level every three or four days.

Rodrigo Gomes and Fer Lopez have proven in the early stages of the season that they will certainly weigh in with goals.

The former bagged a brace in the 4-1 victory over Stoke City on Saturday, while Lopez has three goals and two assists across all competitions.

Adam Armstrong has weighed in with two goals this term to his credit, but was pretty much anonymous following his introduction on Tuesday night.

But Wolves still look a little light at centre-forward, even if they have signed Sean Neave on a season-long loan from Newcastle United.