🔗 Share this article

This setback constitutes another demoralizing episode in an troubled season for West Ham, increasing serious questions about the future of their manager. The London club had the misfortune of becoming the initial team to lose to Wolves in this campaign, enabling the Midlands outfit to double their points tally and boost their aspirations of evading the tag in the record books as the least successful team in Premier League history.

Dominant Opening Display Secures Long-Awaited Win

Fewer than four minutes of the new year, Wolves were able to show signs of finding much-needed resolve. The lively Hwang Hee-chan offered a glimpse of his revitalised form with a lengthy run before turning provider following sharp combination play with Mateus Mané. His pull-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. Energy was evident both on the pitch and in the stands, a rarity for much of the term.

Facing a side terribly out of form and deprived of creative player Lucas Paquetá due to injury, this represented the hosts' clearest chance for a win to date. Initially confused by being ahead, Wolves opted to protect it doggedly, dropping back with all men behind the ball early on.

Generous Opponents Compound West Ham's Problems

West Ham proved generous visitors, adding to their own downfall. First, former Wolves captain Max Kilman failed to execute a routine clearance from a cross, letting Mané to intervene, only to be fouled by Soungoutou Magassa in the penalty area. The 18-year-old player, once of Rochdale, was proving the most influential man on the field. Hwang stepped up to score the subsequent penalty, doubling the lead. Ironic chants of "We're going to win the league" echoed around Molineux.

Short on belief and ideas, West Ham drifted away from the contest even with dominating possession, registering just a single attempt in the first half.

The visitors' frustrations were compounded shortly before halftime. The fearless Mané, a youngster among nervous senior players, spun beautifully, cut in from the left flank, and unleashed a driven shot into the far corner from outside the box for his first senior goal. At last, the home fans could enjoy themselves.

Ineffective Second Period Response

With little to lose, coach Nuno introduced a double change at half-time and altered to a more attacking 3-4-3 shape. Yet, star attacker Jarrod Bowen was muted, and even introduction of Crysencio Summerville did not provide the required threat.

A persistent sense of anxiety still clouded Wolves' decision-making, uncertain whether to clear the ball long or build patiently. However, they had no need to been concerned against such meek resistance. West Ham's own failings became painfully obvious as they created very little of substance in the final third.

Crucial Fixtures Lie Ahead

In the end, Wolves were the sole side capable of increasing the scoreline, and West Ham will be thankful the embarrassment was not greater. Attention now turns to a pivotal Tuesday encounter at home to relegation-threatened Nottingham Forest, a match essential in the fight for top-flight survival. Based on this showing, the Hammers should have every reason to be very worried.