🔗 Share this article

This latest defeat represents another embarrassing chapter in an torrid season for West Ham, increasing significant doubts about the prospects of their manager. The Hammers became the initial team to succumb to Wolves this term, allowing the Midlands outfit to increase their points tally and lift their hopes of avoiding the tag in the record books as the least successful team in Premier League history.

Dominant First-Half Performance Seals Historic Win

Within four minutes of the new year, Wolves were able to show signs of finding some resolve. The lively Hwang Hee-chan offered a glimpse of his revitalised form with a lengthy run before turning provider thanks to neat combination play with Mateus Mané. The resulting pull-back found an untracked Jhon Arias, who tapped in from point-blank range to give Wolves a home lead for the first time since October. Energy could be felt equally on the field and in the stands, a sight for much of the term.

Facing a side terribly out of form and deprived of key player Lucas Paquetá due to injury, this represented the home side's best chance for a victory to date. At first unnerved by taking the lead, Wolves chose to defend it doggedly, dropping deep with eleven men behind the ball early on.

Compliant Opponents Add to West Ham's Problems

West Ham were generous visitors, contributing to their own demise. First, ex- Wolves captain Max Kilman failed to make a simple clearance from a cross, letting Mané to pounce, before being brought down by Soungoutou Magassa inside the box. The 18-year-old midfielder, once of Rochdale, emerged as the most influential figure on the field. Hwang took responsibility to convert the resulting penalty, extending the advantage. Ironic chants of "We will win the league" rang around Molineux.

Short on belief and inspiration, West Ham drifted away from the game even with controlling the ball, managing just a single attempt in the opening period.

The away side's woes were compounded just prior to halftime. The confident Mané, a youth among trepidatious adults, turned beautifully, drove infield from the left flank, and fired a driven effort into the bottom corner from outside the box for his maiden senior goal. At last, the Wolves supporters could enjoy themselves.

Fruitless Second Period Comeback Attempt

With nothing to lose, manager Nuno made a double change at the interval and switched to a more attacking 3-4-3 shape. However, key attacker Jarrod Bowen remained muted, and even introduction of Crysencio Summerville failed to provide the necessary threat.

A lingering sense of anxiety continued to clouded Wolves' judgment, uncertain whether to clear the ball to safety or build from the back. But, they need not have been concerned against such meek resistance. West Ham's own failings were increasingly obvious as they produced very little of note in the final third.

Crucial Matches Lie Ahead

Ultimately, Wolves looked like the sole side capable of adding to the tally, and West Ham will be relieved the damage was not more severe. Focus now turns to a pivotal midweek fixture at home to 17th-placed Nottingham Forest, a match vital in the fight for top-flight survival. Based on this evidence, West Ham should have cause to be very worried.