🔗 Share this article

This latest setback constitutes a further humiliating chapter in a torrid season for West Ham, increasing major doubts about the future of their manager. The London club had the misfortune of becoming the initial team to succumb to Wolves in this campaign, allowing the Midlands side to double their points tally and lift their hopes of evading the tag in the record books as the least successful team in Premier League annals.

Dominant First-Half Performance Seals Long-Awaited Victory

Within four minutes of the new year, Wolves were able to give the impression of discovering much-needed confidence. The energetic Hwang Hee-chan offered a taste of his rejuvenated form with a long run before turning provider following sharp link-up play with Mateus Mané. The resulting cut-back found an untracked Jhon Arias, who tapped in from close range to give Wolves a home lead for the first time since early October. Vibrancy could be felt both on the pitch and in the stands, a sight for most of the season.

Facing a team terribly short on confidence and missing creative player Lucas Paquetá through injury, this represented the home side's clearest opportunity for a victory to date. Initially unnerved by taking the lead, Wolves chose to defend it doggedly, dropping back with eleven men behind the ball from an early stage.

Generous Guests Add to Their Own Miseries

West Ham were accommodating guests, adding to their own demise. First, ex- Wolves captain Max Kilman failed to execute a routine clearance from a cross, letting Mané to intervene, before being brought down by Soungoutou Magassa inside the box. The teenage player, formerly of Rochdale, was proving the most influential man on the field. Hwang stepped up to score the resulting penalty, doubling the advantage. Ironic chants of "We will win the league" rang around Molineux.

Lacking belief and inspiration, West Ham were drifting out of the contest despite dominating the ball, registering just a single shot in the first half.

The away side's woes were compounded shortly before halftime. The confident Mané, a youngster among nervous adults, spun beautifully, drove infield from the left, and unleashed a driven effort into the far corner from 18 yards for his first professional goal. Finally, the Wolves supporters could enjoy themselves.

Fruitless Second-Half Comeback Attempt

With little to lose, coach Nuno made a double change at half-time and switched to a offensive 3-4-3 shape. However, star forward Jarrod Bowen was quiet, and the introduction of Crysencio Summerville did not provide the required threat.

A lingering feeling of anxiety still affected Wolves' judgment, uncertain whether to hoof the ball long or build from the back. But, they had no need to worried against such meek opponents. West Ham's inherent deficiencies became increasingly apparent as they produced nothing of note in the final third.

Critical Fixtures On the Horizon

Ultimately, Wolves were the only side capable of adding to the scoreline, and West Ham will be relieved the embarrassment was not greater. Focus now turns to a critical midweek encounter at home to 17th-placed Nottingham Forest, a match vital in the fight for top-flight survival. On this showing, the Hammers should have cause to be afraid.