🔗 Share this article

This setback constitutes one more demoralizing episode in an torrid season for West Ham, raising significant questions about the prospects of their manager. The London club had the misfortune of becoming the initial team to succumb to Wolves in this campaign, allowing the West Midlands outfit to double their points tally and boost their hopes of avoiding a place in the history books as the least successful team in Premier League annals.

Dominant Opening Display Secures Historic Win

Within four minutes into the new year, Wolves were able to show signs of finding some resolve. The lively Hwang Hee-chan provided a glimpse of his revitalised form with a lengthy run before laying on an assist following sharp link-up play with Mateus Mané. The resulting cut-back found an unmarked Jhon Arias, who slid home from point-blank 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 stands, a sight for much of the term.

Facing a side terribly short on confidence and missing key player Lucas Paquetá through injury, this was the home side's best chance for a victory to date. At first confused by being ahead, Wolves chose to protect it doggedly, dropping deep with eleven men behind the ball early on.

Compliant Opponents Add to West Ham's Problems

West Ham were accommodating guests, adding to their own downfall. First, ex- Wolves captain Max Kilman failed to execute a routine clearance from a cross, allowing Mané to intervene, before being fouled by Soungoutou Magassa in the box. The 18-year-old midfielder, once of Rochdale, emerged as the most influential figure on the field. Hwang took responsibility to score the subsequent spot-kick, extending the lead. Tongue-in-cheek chants of "We're going to win the league" rang around Molineux.

Short on belief and ideas, West Ham drifted away from the game despite controlling the ball, registering just a single attempt in the opening period.

The visitors' frustrations were compounded just prior to halftime. The confident Mané, a youth among trepidatious adults, turned beautifully, drove infield from the left flank, and unleashed a driven shot into the far corner from 18 yards for his first professional goal. At last, the home supporters could enjoy themselves.

Fruitless Second Period Comeback Attempt

With nothing to lose, coach Nuno introduced a two change at half-time and altered to a offensive 3-4-3 formation. Yet, key forward Jarrod Bowen was quiet, and even introduction of Crysencio Summerville did not provide the required threat.

A lingering sense of nervousness still affected Wolves' judgment, unsure whether to hoof the ball to safety or play out from the back. But, they need not have been concerned against such passive opponents. West Ham's inherent failings were increasingly apparent as they created nothing of substance in the final third.

Critical Fixtures Lie Ahead

In the end, Wolves were the only side likely of adding to the scoreline, and West Ham will be thankful the embarrassment was not more severe. Attention now turns to a pivotal midweek encounter at home to relegation-threatened Nottingham Forest, a match essential in the battle for Premier League survival. On this evidence, the Hammers should have every reason to be afraid.