David Moyes hailed Adama Traore for his part in turning the tide during West Ham's 2-0 defeat to Wolves at London Stadium, despite his side having worked on how to stop the winger all week.
West Ham now face an even bigger fight to remain in the Premier League after Traore managed to unlock what had been a rather robust defence following his introduction just after the hour mark in Saturday's Premier League contest.
The former Barcelona youngster drove past two defenders down the right flank before teeing up Raul Jimenez for the opening goal, before his smart footwork found a way through once more in the closing stages.
Traore found Matt Doherty, who crossed for a fine Pedro Neto finish.
With Declan Rice at the back the Hammers had looked assured, but they were decidedly blunt going forward as Michail Antonio struggled to lead the line with Sebastian Haller injured.
"We need to improve our attacking play, that’s for sure," Moyes said. "There were a lot of periods of defensive stuff where we did a pretty good job but, as I said, it was more when Traore came on but then I was more annoyed with the next bit.
"We expected him to start but we didn’t defend the crosses well enough when they came in so that was probably the most disappointing thing.
"I just didn’t see much in our attacking play today, we were short of options and limited in what we could do. I just don't think we got anything going."
Traore's threat is clear, and it was something the Hammers had focused on in the build up to their Premier League return.
"We worked to try and stop Traore, thinking that he would play," Moyes said. "We knew how difficult that would be and of course we worked on the next bit because if he beats people he would get chances to cross at times.
"For what it is worth I thought he put in two or three brilliant crosses when he came on. Hands up it was excellent play."
The Hammers, above the bottom three on goal difference only, face London rivals Tottenham and Chelsea next before the games get seemingly easier with the likes of Newcastle, Norwich and Watford all still to come.
However, Moyes knows his side cannot simply hope those 'easier' games bring them the points they need for survival.
