🔗 Share this article

This loss constitutes a further embarrassing episode in an troubled season for West Ham, amplifying major doubts about the future of their manager. The Hammers had the misfortune of becoming the first team to fall to Wolves this term, allowing the West Midlands outfit to increase their league points and boost their aspirations of evading the tag in the record books as the worst team in Premier League history.

Commanding First-Half Performance Seals Historic Victory

Fewer than four minutes into the new year, Wolves managed to give the impression of finding much-needed resolution. The lively Hwang Hee-chan provided a glimpse of his revitalised form with a long run before laying on an assist following neat combination play with Mateus Mané. His pull-back found an untracked Jhon Arias, who slid home from close range to give Wolves a lead at Molineux for the first time since early October. Vibrancy was evident both on the field and in the terraces, a sight for much of the term.

Facing a team terribly short on confidence and missing key player Lucas Paquetá due to injury, this represented the hosts' best opportunity for a victory this season. Initially confused by being ahead, Wolves opted to defend it doggedly, falling deep with all players behind the ball from an early stage.

Compliant Opponents Add to West Ham's Miseries

West Ham proved generous guests, adding to their own downfall. First, former Wolves captain Max Kilman was unable to execute a routine clearance from a cross, letting Mané to pounce, before being fouled by Soungoutou Magassa inside the penalty area. The 18-year-old player, once of Rochdale, was proving the key man on the field. Hwang stepped up to convert the subsequent spot-kick, extending the advantage. Ironic chants of "We will win the league" rang around Molineux.

Lacking belief and inspiration, West Ham drifted out of the contest even with dominating the ball, registering just a solitary attempt in the opening period.

The away side's woes were compounded shortly before halftime. The confident Mané, a youngster among trepidatious adults, spun exquisitely, drove infield from the left, and unleashed a driven effort into the far corner from outside the box for his first senior goal. At last, the Wolves supporters could enjoy themselves.

Ineffective Second Period Comeback Attempt

With nothing to lose, coach Nuno made a two change at the interval and altered to a more attacking 3-4-3 formation. Yet, key attacker Jarrod Bowen was quiet, and even introduction of Crysencio Summerville failed to provide the required threat.

A persistent feeling of anxiety continued to affected Wolves' decision-making, unsure whether to hoof the ball long or play out from the back. However, they need not have worried against such passive resistance. West Ham's own failings became increasingly obvious as they produced nothing of substance in the attacking areas.

Critical Matches On the Horizon

In the end, Wolves were the only side capable of adding to the tally, and West Ham will be relieved the damage was not more severe. Attention now shifts to a pivotal midweek fixture at home to 17th-placed Nottingham Forest, a match essential in the fight for Premier League safety. On this evidence, West Ham have every reason to be very worried.