The Joe Edwards debrief – West Ham 0 Wolves 2

It was a very sharp showing considering they had not played for 100 days, with the game-plan working to perfection.

Nuno masterstroke

If anyone needed a reminder of Nuno Espirito Santo’s managerial prowess after such a long break in action, they certainly got one on Saturday.

It must be said, he played an absolute blinder.

The big debate beforehand was whether to have Adama Traore in from the off as part of a 3-4-3 or Leander Dendoncker start in a 3-5-2.

In the end, the Portuguese went with the latter and while it was the more unpopular option among supporters, Nuno’s grand plan worked a treat.

It was a pretty close affair until the hour mark when Traore and Pedro Neto were introduced, flipping the game on its head.

Hammers boss David Moyes admitted as much afterwards – his side simply could not handle the pace, power and precision brought by Traore.

Traore was able to punish tiring legs as he set up Raul Jimenez, while he also played a part in Neto’s scorcher to round things off.

Nuno, of course, will be careful not to go for the ‘impact subs’ approach in every game as it would become predictable.

There is every chance Traore and Neto both start against Bournemouth on Wednesday, too. But it could not have gone any better at the London Stadium.

Nuno showing exactly why he is considered such a great manager.

Relentless Ruben

Another man who proved why he is rated so highly was Ruben Neves.

He covered so much ground in the middle of the park while looking so smooth with the ball at his feet.

A moment which summed up his display was when he raced back to deny Felipe Anderson from breaking away with a delightful sliding tackle before switching it – 40 yards or so – to set up a chance for Diogo Jota.

Neves has always been an exquisite passer of the ball, but before the season’s suspension, his off-the-ball work had noticeably improved.

And thankfully – at least on Saturday’s evidence – that has not been lost.

Neves very much had a spring in his step and set the tone.

He was the best of those who started the game.

Doc delivers

While Traore, Neto and Neves were the standouts, Matt Doherty’s contribution is definitely worth a mention.

The Irishman had a hand in both goals, flicking the ball on to Traore, who crossed it to Jimenez, for the first.

Then for the second, after being fed by Traore, he floated over a lovely ball for Neto to volley emphatically beyond Lukas Fabianski.

While it was not one of his most all-action displays, Doherty – yet again – made his presence felt in the final third.

It is so useful for Nuno to have a player who is so solid when it comes to defending, while also possessing top-drawer attacking instincts.

The understanding between Doherty and Traore is a joy to watch as well.

They really do work in tandem – when one attacks, the other covers – and just always seem to know where the other is going to be. It is a seamless partnership.

Vocal bunch

Being lucky enough to go the stadium and cover the match from the stands, the lack of fans was very strange – but it did allow for things you would not usually notice to be picked up.

The main one of those was how loud Wolves keeper Rui Patricio was.

Any ball that came near him, he made a massive shriek and then claimed it – letting his defenders know where he was and taking responsibility.

It was a commanding performance from the man between the sticks.

Conor Coady’s every word could also be heard, whether it was encouraging a team-mate, offering himself for a pass or questioning a decision.

Nuno, meanwhile, stayed relatively quiet from the touchline and let his team do the talking.

Patricio, though, really made himself heard both literally and figuratively.

Coming up

So, now Wolves are getting ready to host Bournemouth on Wednesday.

Then, on Saturday, they are making the short trip over to Villa.

And after starting so soundly at West Ham, you cannot help feeling optimistic going into those two games.

But, let’s not forget, Nuno & Co will not be thinking that way, at all.

All the musings from the boss and players after the 2-0 win in London were about taking it a game at a time, while also insisting there are a lot of things to be improved upon.

Wolves’ position is certainly exciting, but Nuno knows eight games is still a long way to go.

Hopefully, though, it will be more of the same against the Cherries at Molineux.