🔗 Share this article

This setback represents another embarrassing chapter in a difficult season for West Ham, amplifying significant questions about the future of their manager. The Hammers became the first team to fall to Wolves in this campaign, allowing the Midlands side to double their points tally and boost their hopes of evading the tag in the history books as the least successful team in Premier League annals.

Dominant Opening Display Secures Long-Awaited Win

Within the first four minutes into the new year, Wolves managed to demonstrate of finding much-needed confidence. The energetic Hwang Hee-chan offered a glimpse of his revitalised abilities with a long run before laying on an assist following sharp combination play with Mateus Mané. The resulting cut-back found an unmarked Jhon Arias, who tapped in from close range to give Wolves a home lead for the first time since October. Vibrancy could be felt both on the field and in the stands, a rarity for most of the term.

Facing a team woefully out of form and missing key player Lucas Paquetá through injury, this represented the home side's best opportunity for a victory this season. Initially unnerved by taking the lead, Wolves opted to protect it doggedly, dropping deep with all men behind the ball from an early stage.

Generous Opponents Compound Their Own Problems

West Ham proved accommodating guests, adding to their own downfall. First, former Wolves captain Max Kilman was unable to execute a simple clearance from a cross, letting Mané to pounce, before being fouled by Soungoutou Magassa in the penalty area. The 18-year-old midfielder, formerly of Rochdale, was proving the most influential man on the field. Hwang took responsibility to convert the subsequent penalty, extending the lead. Ironic chants of "We're going to win the league" rang around Molineux.

Short on belief and inspiration, West Ham were drifting away from the game even with dominating the ball, registering just a single attempt in the opening period.

The visitors' frustrations deepened just prior to halftime. The confident Mané, a youngster among trepidatious senior players, spun beautifully, drove infield from the left flank, and unleashed a low shot into the bottom corner from outside the box for his first professional goal. At last, the Wolves fans were enjoying themselves.

Fruitless Second Period Comeback Attempt

With little to lose, manager Nuno made a two change at the interval and altered to a offensive 3-4-3 formation. Yet, star forward Jarrod Bowen remained quiet, and even introduction of Crysencio Summerville did not generate the necessary spark.

A lingering feeling of anxiety continued to affected Wolves' judgment, unsure whether to clear the ball to safety or play out from the back. However, they need not have worried against such meek opponents. West Ham's own deficiencies became increasingly obvious as they produced very little of note in the final third.

Crucial Matches Lie Ahead

In the end, Wolves looked like the only side likely of increasing the tally, and West Ham will be thankful the embarrassment 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 Premier League survival. On this showing, West Ham should have every reason to be afraid.