🔗 Share this article

This latest loss marks a further embarrassing chapter in a torrid season for West Ham, increasing significant doubts about the future of their manager. The Hammers became the initial team to lose to Wolves in this campaign, enabling the West Midlands team to double their league points and lift their hopes of evading a place in the record books as the least successful team in Premier League history.

Dominant First-Half Performance Secures Long-Awaited Triumph

Within four minutes into the new year, Wolves were able to demonstrate of finding much-needed confidence. The energetic Hwang Hee-chan offered a taste of his revitalised form with a long run before turning provider thanks to neat combination play with Mateus Mané. The resulting pull-back found an untracked Jhon Arias, who slid home from close range to give Wolves a home lead for the first time since early October. Energy could be felt both on the field and in the terraces, a rarity for most of the season.

Facing a team terribly out of form and missing creative talent Lucas Paquetá due to injury, this was the home side's clearest opportunity for a victory this season. Initially unnerved by taking the lead, Wolves opted to protect it fiercely, dropping back with all men behind the ball from an early stage.

Compliant Guests Compound Their Own Miseries

West Ham proved generous guests, contributing to their own demise. First, ex- Wolves captain Max Kilman was unable to make a routine clearance from a cross, allowing Mané to pounce, before being brought down by Soungoutou Magassa inside the box. The 18-year-old player, once of Rochdale, emerged as the key figure on the pitch. Hwang stepped up to convert the subsequent penalty, extending the lead. Tongue-in-cheek chants of "We're going to win the league" rang around Molineux.

Lacking confidence and inspiration, West Ham drifted out of the game even with dominating possession, registering just a single shot in the first half.

The visitors' woes deepened just prior to halftime. The confident Mané, a youngster among nervous senior players, spun beautifully, drove infield from the left, and unleashed a driven effort into the far corner from 18 yards for his maiden professional goal. Finally, the Wolves fans were enjoying themselves.

Fruitless Second Period Response

With nothing to lose, coach Nuno made a two change at the interval and altered to a more attacking 3-4-3 formation. However, star forward Jarrod Bowen was muted, and even introduction of Crysencio Summerville failed to generate the necessary spark.

A persistent feeling of nervousness still affected Wolves' decision-making, unsure whether to clear the ball to safety or play out from the back. However, they had no need to been concerned against such passive resistance. West Ham's own deficiencies were painfully apparent as they created nothing of substance in the attacking areas.

Crucial Fixtures On the Horizon

Ultimately, Wolves were the sole side capable of increasing the scoreline, and West Ham will be thankful the damage was not more severe. Attention now shifts to a critical midweek encounter at home to relegation-threatened Nottingham Forest, a match vital in the fight for top-flight survival. On this showing, West Ham have every reason to be very worried.