🔗 Share this article

This latest setback represents another embarrassing chapter in a torrid season for West Ham, raising major questions about the prospects of their manager. The Hammers became the initial team to fall to Wolves this term, enabling the Midlands team to increase their points tally and lift their aspirations of evading a place in the record books as the least successful team in Premier League annals.

Dominant First-Half Performance Seals Long-Awaited Triumph

Fewer than the first four minutes into the new year, Wolves were able to give the impression of finding much-needed resolve. The lively Hwang Hee-chan offered a glimpse of his revitalised abilities with a lengthy run before turning provider following neat combination play with Mateus Mané. His pull-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 early October. Vibrancy was evident equally on the pitch and in the terraces, a sight for much of the season.

Facing a side woefully short on confidence and missing key talent Lucas Paquetá through injury, this was the hosts' clearest chance for a victory to date. Initially unnerved by taking the lead, Wolves opted to protect it fiercely, dropping back with all men behind the ball early on.

Generous Guests Add to West Ham's Miseries

West Ham proved generous visitors, contributing to their own downfall. First, ex- Wolves captain Max Kilman failed to execute a simple clearance from a cross, letting Mané to pounce, only to be fouled by Soungoutou Magassa inside the penalty area. The teenage player, formerly of Rochdale, emerged as the most influential figure on the pitch. Hwang took responsibility to convert the resulting spot-kick, extending the advantage. Ironic chants of "We're going to win the league" rang around Molineux.

Short on confidence and ideas, West Ham were drifting out of the game even with controlling the ball, registering just a single attempt in the opening period.

The visitors' woes were compounded shortly before halftime. The confident Mané, a youngster among trepidatious adults, turned beautifully, drove infield from the left, and unleashed a driven effort into the far corner from outside the box for his first professional goal. At last, the home supporters could enjoy themselves.

Fruitless Second-Half Comeback Attempt

With little to lose, manager Nuno made a two substitution at the interval and switched to a offensive 3-4-3 formation. Yet, key forward Jarrod Bowen remained muted, and even introduction of Crysencio Summerville did not provide the required threat.

A persistent feeling of nervousness still clouded Wolves' decision-making, unsure whether to clear the ball to safety or play out from the back. However, they need not have worried against such passive resistance. West Ham's inherent deficiencies were increasingly apparent as they produced very little of substance in the final third.

Crucial Fixtures On the Horizon

In the end, Wolves were the sole side likely of increasing the tally, and West Ham will be relieved the embarrassment was not more severe. Focus now shifts to a pivotal midweek fixture at home to 17th-placed Nottingham Forest, a match essential in the battle for Premier League safety. On this evidence, the Hammers have every reason to be very worried.