🔗 Share this article

This loss constitutes another humiliating episode in a torrid season for West Ham, amplifying major questions about the prospects of their manager. The London club had the misfortune of becoming the initial team to fall to Wolves in this campaign, allowing the Midlands team to double their points tally and lift their hopes of evading a place in the record books as the worst team in Premier League history.

Commanding First-Half Display Seals Long-Awaited Victory

Fewer than the first four minutes into the new year, Wolves were able to demonstrate of finding much-needed confidence. The lively Hwang Hee-chan provided a taste of his revitalised abilities with a lengthy run before laying on an assist thanks to neat link-up play with Mateus Mané. The resulting pull-back found an unmarked Jhon Arias, who tapped in from close range to give Wolves a lead at Molineux for the first time since October. Energy could be felt both on the field and in the terraces, a sight for most of the term.

Facing a team terribly out of form and missing creative player Lucas Paquetá due to injury, this was the hosts' best opportunity for a win to date. Initially confused by being ahead, Wolves opted to defend it doggedly, falling deep with all players behind the ball from an early stage.

Generous Opponents Add to West Ham's Problems

West Ham proved generous visitors, adding to their own downfall. First, former Wolves captain Max Kilman failed to make a simple clearance from a cross, allowing Mané to intervene, only to be brought down by Soungoutou Magassa inside the penalty area. The teenage player, formerly of Rochdale, emerged as the most influential figure on the pitch. Hwang stepped up to score the resulting spot-kick, doubling the lead. Ironic chants of "We're going to win the league" rang around Molineux.

Short on belief and ideas, West Ham drifted out of the game even with dominating possession, registering just a solitary shot in the opening period.

The visitors' frustrations were compounded just prior to halftime. The fearless Mané, a youth among nervous adults, spun exquisitely, cut in from the left, and unleashed a driven shot into the far corner from 18 yards for his maiden senior goal. Finally, the home supporters were enjoying themselves.

Ineffective Second-Half Response

With nothing to lose, coach Nuno introduced a two substitution at half-time and switched to a more attacking 3-4-3 shape. However, star attacker Jarrod Bowen remained quiet, and even introduction of Crysencio Summerville failed to provide the required spark.

A lingering sense of anxiety continued to clouded Wolves' decision-making, uncertain whether to clear the ball long or play out patiently. But, they need not have worried against such passive opponents. West Ham's own deficiencies became painfully apparent as they created very little of note in the attacking areas.

Crucial Fixtures On the Horizon

In the end, Wolves were the sole side likely of increasing the scoreline, and West Ham will be relieved the embarrassment was not greater. Focus now shifts to a critical midweek encounter at home to 17th-placed Nottingham Forest, a match essential in the battle for Premier League survival. On this evidence, West Ham have cause to be afraid.