🔗 Share this article

This loss constitutes one more embarrassing episode in a torrid season for West Ham, amplifying major questions about the prospects of their manager. The London club became the first team to lose to Wolves in this campaign, allowing the Midlands outfit to double their points tally and lift their aspirations of avoiding a place in the history books as the worst team in Premier League history.

Commanding Opening Performance Secures Historic Win

Fewer than four minutes of the new year, Wolves were able to demonstrate of discovering some resolution. The lively Hwang Hee-chan provided a glimpse of his revitalised abilities with a long run before laying on an assist thanks to neat combination play with Mateus Mané. His pull-back found an untracked Jhon Arias, who tapped in from close range to give Wolves a home lead for the first time since October. Vibrancy could be felt equally on the field and in the terraces, a sight for most of the season.

Facing a side terribly short on confidence and missing creative player Lucas Paquetá through injury, this represented the hosts' clearest chance for a victory to date. At first unnerved by being ahead, Wolves chose to defend it fiercely, falling back with all players behind the ball early on.

Compliant Opponents Compound West Ham's Miseries

West Ham were generous guests, contributing to their own downfall. First, ex- Wolves captain Max Kilman was unable to make a routine clearance from a cross, allowing Mané to pounce, before being fouled by Soungoutou Magassa in the box. The teenage midfielder, once of Rochdale, was proving the key man on the field. Hwang took responsibility to convert the resulting spot-kick, doubling the lead. Ironic chants of "We're going to win the league" rang around Molineux.

Lacking belief and inspiration, West Ham were drifting away from the contest despite dominating possession, managing just a solitary attempt in the opening period.

The away side's woes deepened just prior to halftime. The confident Mané, a youth among nervous adults, spun exquisitely, cut in from the left, and fired a driven shot into the bottom corner from outside the box for his maiden professional goal. Finally, the Wolves supporters were enjoying themselves.

Ineffective Second Period Comeback Attempt

With nothing to lose, manager Nuno introduced a two substitution at half-time and switched to a offensive 3-4-3 shape. However, key forward Jarrod Bowen remained quiet, and the introduction of Crysencio Summerville failed to generate the necessary spark.

A lingering sense of anxiety continued to affected Wolves' decision-making, unsure whether to hoof the ball long or build from the back. But, they need not have been concerned against such meek resistance. West Ham's own failings were painfully apparent as they created nothing of substance in the final third.

Crucial Fixtures Lie Ahead

Ultimately, Wolves looked like the only side capable of adding to the scoreline, and West Ham will be thankful the embarrassment was not greater. Attention now turns to a critical Tuesday encounter at home to relegation-threatened Nottingham Forest, a match vital in the battle for top-flight safety. On this showing, West Ham should have cause to be very worried.