Match Centre

West Ham's 3-2 victory narrowly reflected the balance of play, with the visitors edging the xG battle (1.7 vs Bolton's 1.5 according to the shot locations). Bolton's 51% possession translated into marginally more shots (13 to 11) and equal shots on target (6 each), but West Ham's superior shot quality inside the box (11 attempts vs Bolton's 10) proved decisive. Jarrod Bowen's early opener (13') and late winner (77') bookended a frantic first half where Ethan Erhahon levelled (18') before Ruben Rodrigues' penalty (27') briefly put Bolton ahead – only for Konstantinos Mavropanos to equalise again (31') from an Arne Engels assist.

The game turned on West Ham's efficiency from limited service. Despite having less possession (49%), they generated higher-value chances, with Bowen responsible for both the highest xG chance of the match (his winner, 0.45 xG) and the second-highest (his opener, 0.38 xG). Bolton's reliance on a penalty (accounting for 0.7 of their 1.5 xG) left them vulnerable to Bowen's ruthlessness from open play. The key differential: West Ham converted 27% of their shots versus Bolton's 15%.