🔗 Share this article

This defeat constitutes another embarrassing chapter in an torrid season for West Ham, raising major questions about the future of their manager. The Hammers became the initial team to succumb to Wolves this term, enabling the West Midlands outfit to increase their league points and boost their hopes of evading the tag in the record books as the least successful team in Premier League history.

Commanding Opening Display Seals Long-Awaited Win

Fewer than the first four minutes into the new year, Wolves managed to show signs of discovering much-needed resolve. The lively Hwang Hee-chan provided a glimpse of his revitalised form with a long run before laying on an assist thanks to neat combination play with Mateus Mané. His cut-back found an untracked Jhon Arias, who tapped in from close range to give Wolves a lead at Molineux for the first time since early October. Vibrancy was evident both on the pitch and in the stands, a sight for much of the term.

Facing a team woefully short on confidence and deprived of creative player Lucas Paquetá due to injury, this was the hosts' clearest chance for a victory this season. At first unnerved by being ahead, Wolves opted to defend it fiercely, dropping back with all men behind the ball from an early stage.

Generous Guests Compound West Ham's Problems

West Ham were accommodating guests, contributing to their own downfall. First, former Wolves captain Max Kilman failed to make a simple clearance from a cross, letting Mané to pounce, before being fouled by Soungoutou Magassa in the box. The teenage midfielder, once of Rochdale, emerged as the most influential figure on the pitch. Hwang took responsibility to convert the resulting spot-kick, doubling the lead. Ironic chants of "We're going to win the league" echoed around Molineux.

Lacking belief and ideas, West Ham were drifting away from the game despite controlling possession, managing just a single shot in the opening period.

The visitors' woes deepened just prior to halftime. The confident Mané, a youngster among trepidatious adults, turned exquisitely, cut in from the left flank, and fired a low shot into the bottom corner from 18 yards for his maiden professional goal. At last, the Wolves supporters could enjoy themselves.

Ineffective Second-Half Response

With little to lose, manager Nuno made a two change at the interval and switched to a offensive 3-4-3 formation. Yet, key attacker Jarrod Bowen remained quiet, and the introduction of Crysencio Summerville did not provide the required spark.

A lingering sense of nervousness still clouded Wolves' decision-making, uncertain whether to clear the ball long or build from the back. But, they had no need to worried against such meek resistance. West Ham's own deficiencies became painfully apparent as they created very little of substance in the final third.

Crucial Fixtures On the Horizon

Ultimately, Wolves were the sole side capable of adding to the scoreline, and West Ham will be relieved the embarrassment was not greater. Focus now shifts to a pivotal Tuesday fixture at home to relegation-threatened Nottingham Forest, a match essential in the battle for Premier League safety. Based on this showing, West Ham should have cause to be afraid.