🔗 Share this article

This setback represents a further demoralizing episode in a torrid season for West Ham, raising major doubts about the prospects of their manager. The London club had the misfortune of becoming the first team to fall to Wolves this term, enabling the West Midlands outfit to double their league points and boost their hopes of avoiding the tag in the history books as the least successful team in Premier League annals.

Dominant First-Half Display Secures Historic Victory

Fewer than four minutes into the new year, Wolves were able to give the impression of finding much-needed confidence. The energetic Hwang Hee-chan provided a glimpse of his rejuvenated abilities with a lengthy run before turning provider following neat link-up play with Mateus Mané. His pull-back found an untracked Jhon Arias, who slid home from close range to give Wolves a home lead for the first time since early October. Energy could be felt equally on the field and in the terraces, a sight for most of the season.

Facing a team terribly short on confidence and deprived of key talent Lucas Paquetá through injury, this represented the hosts' best opportunity for a victory to date. Initially unnerved by being ahead, Wolves opted to protect it fiercely, falling back with all players behind the ball from an early stage.

Compliant Opponents Compound West Ham's Problems

West Ham were generous visitors, adding to their own demise. First, ex- Wolves captain Max Kilman failed to make a routine clearance from a cross, letting Mané to pounce, before being fouled by Soungoutou Magassa inside the box. The teenage midfielder, formerly of Rochdale, was proving the key man on the field. Hwang took responsibility to convert the resulting penalty, extending the advantage. Ironic chants of "We will win the league" echoed around Molineux.

Lacking belief and ideas, West Ham were drifting out of the game even with controlling the ball, managing just a single shot in the opening period.

The visitors' frustrations deepened just prior to halftime. The confident Mané, a youngster among nervous senior players, spun beautifully, cut in from the left, and unleashed a driven shot into the bottom corner from outside the box for his first senior goal. At last, the home supporters could enjoy themselves.

Ineffective Second Period Comeback Attempt

With little to lose, manager Nuno introduced a two change at the interval and switched to a more attacking 3-4-3 formation. Yet, star attacker Jarrod Bowen was muted, and the introduction of Crysencio Summerville did not generate the necessary spark.

A persistent sense of anxiety continued to clouded Wolves' judgment, unsure whether to hoof the ball long or play out patiently. But, they had no need to been concerned against such passive resistance. West Ham's inherent failings were increasingly apparent as they created nothing of substance in the final third.

Crucial Fixtures Lie Ahead

Ultimately, Wolves looked like the sole side capable of adding to the tally, and West Ham will be relieved the embarrassment was not greater. Focus now turns to a pivotal midweek encounter at home to 17th-placed Nottingham Forest, a match vital in the battle for Premier League safety. On this showing, the Hammers have every reason to be very worried.