🔗 Share this article

This setback marks one more humiliating chapter in an difficult season for West Ham, raising serious questions about the prospects of their manager. The London club had the misfortune of becoming the initial team to succumb to Wolves this term, enabling the Midlands side to double their league points and lift their aspirations of evading a place in the history books as the worst team in Premier League history.

Commanding First-Half Display Secures Long-Awaited Triumph

Fewer than four minutes of the new year, Wolves managed to give the impression of finding some confidence. The energetic Hwang Hee-chan provided a taste of his rejuvenated form with a lengthy run before turning provider following neat link-up play with Mateus Mané. The resulting pull-back found an unmarked Jhon Arias, who slid home from close range to give Wolves a home lead for the first time since October. Vibrancy could be felt both on the pitch and in the terraces, a rarity for most of the term.

Facing a team terribly out of form and missing creative talent Lucas Paquetá through injury, this represented the hosts' clearest chance for a victory this season. At first unnerved by being ahead, Wolves chose to defend it doggedly, falling deep with all players behind the ball from an early stage.

Generous Guests Compound West Ham's Problems

West Ham proved accommodating visitors, adding to their own downfall. First, former Wolves captain Max Kilman failed to execute a routine clearance from a cross, allowing Mané to pounce, only to be fouled by Soungoutou Magassa in the box. The teenage player, once of Rochdale, emerged as the key man on the field. Hwang stepped up to score the subsequent spot-kick, doubling the advantage. Tongue-in-cheek chants of "We're going to win the league" rang around Molineux.

Short on confidence and inspiration, West Ham drifted away from the contest despite controlling the ball, managing just a single shot in the opening period.

The visitors' frustrations deepened shortly before halftime. The confident Mané, a youngster among trepidatious adults, turned beautifully, drove infield from the left, and fired a low shot into the bottom corner from 18 yards for his maiden senior goal. Finally, the home supporters were enjoying themselves.

Fruitless Second-Half Comeback Attempt

With nothing to lose, coach Nuno made a two change at the interval and switched to a offensive 3-4-3 formation. Yet, star forward Jarrod Bowen remained quiet, and the introduction of Crysencio Summerville did not provide the necessary threat.

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

Crucial Fixtures On the Horizon

Ultimately, Wolves were the only side likely of increasing the scoreline, and West Ham will be relieved the damage was not greater. Focus now turns to a critical Tuesday encounter at home to 17th-placed Nottingham Forest, a match essential in the battle for top-flight survival. On this evidence, West Ham have every reason to be very worried.