🔗 Share this article

This latest defeat represents another embarrassing chapter in an troubled season for West Ham, increasing significant questions about the prospects of their manager. The Hammers became the first team to succumb to Wolves this term, enabling the Midlands team to increase their points tally and boost their hopes of evading a place in the record books as the worst team in Premier League history.

Dominant Opening Performance Secures Historic Victory

Within four minutes into the new year, Wolves were able to show signs of discovering some resolution. The energetic Hwang Hee-chan offered a taste of his rejuvenated form with a long run before turning provider following neat combination play with Mateus Mané. His pull-back found an unmarked Jhon Arias, who slid home from point-blank range to give Wolves a home lead for the first time since October. Vibrancy was evident both on the pitch and in the terraces, a rarity for much of the season.

Facing a side terribly out of form and missing key player Lucas Paquetá due to injury, this represented the home side's clearest opportunity for a win this season. At first confused by taking the lead, Wolves chose to defend it doggedly, falling back with eleven players behind the ball early on.

Compliant Opponents Add to Their Own Miseries

West Ham proved accommodating guests, adding to their own downfall. First, former Wolves captain Max Kilman was unable to execute a simple clearance from a cross, letting Mané to pounce, before being brought down by Soungoutou Magassa inside the penalty area. The teenage midfielder, once of Rochdale, emerged as the key man on the field. Hwang took responsibility to score the resulting penalty, extending the advantage. Ironic chants of "We will win the league" rang around Molineux.

Short on confidence and inspiration, West Ham were drifting away from the game even with dominating possession, registering just a solitary attempt in the opening period.

The away side's frustrations deepened shortly before halftime. The confident Mané, a youth among trepidatious senior players, spun exquisitely, drove infield from the left flank, and fired a low effort into the far corner from 18 yards for his maiden professional goal. At last, the home supporters were enjoying themselves.

Fruitless Second-Half Comeback Attempt

With little to lose, coach Nuno made a double change at half-time and switched to a offensive 3-4-3 shape. Yet, key attacker Jarrod Bowen was quiet, and the introduction of Crysencio Summerville failed to provide the necessary spark.

A persistent sense of anxiety still affected Wolves' judgment, uncertain whether to clear the ball to safety or play out from the back. However, they need not have worried against such passive resistance. West Ham's own deficiencies were painfully obvious as they created nothing of substance in the final third.

Crucial Matches Lie Ahead

In the end, Wolves were the sole side likely of adding to the tally, and West Ham will be thankful the damage was not greater. Focus now turns to a critical Tuesday fixture at home to 17th-placed Nottingham Forest, a match essential in the battle for top-flight safety. Based on this evidence, West Ham have cause to be afraid.