🔗 Share this article

This latest loss represents another embarrassing chapter in a difficult season for West Ham, increasing major questions about the prospects of their manager. The Hammers had the misfortune of becoming the initial team to succumb to Wolves this term, enabling the Midlands team to increase their points tally and boost their aspirations of avoiding a place in the record books as the worst team in Premier League annals.

Dominant Opening Performance Secures Historic Win

Within the first four minutes into the new year, Wolves managed to show signs of discovering much-needed resolve. The energetic Hwang Hee-chan provided a glimpse of his rejuvenated abilities with a long run before laying on an assist following neat combination play with Mateus Mané. The resulting cut-back found an unmarked Jhon Arias, who tapped in from point-blank range to give Wolves a home lead for the first time since early October. Vibrancy could be felt both on the field and in the stands, a rarity for much of the season.

Facing a team terribly out of form and deprived of creative talent Lucas Paquetá due to injury, this was the hosts' clearest chance for a victory to date. Initially unnerved by being ahead, Wolves opted to protect it fiercely, falling back with all men behind the ball early on.

Generous Opponents Compound Their Own Problems

West Ham were generous guests, adding to their own demise. First, former Wolves captain Max Kilman failed to execute a routine clearance from a cross, allowing Mané to pounce, before being fouled by Soungoutou Magassa in the penalty area. The teenage midfielder, formerly of Rochdale, was proving the key man on the field. Hwang took responsibility to convert the resulting spot-kick, extending the advantage. Tongue-in-cheek chants of "We will win the league" echoed around Molineux.

Short on confidence and ideas, West Ham drifted out of the contest even with controlling the ball, managing just a single attempt in the opening period.

The visitors' woes were compounded just prior to halftime. The confident Mané, a youngster among trepidatious senior players, turned exquisitely, drove infield from the left, and unleashed a low shot into the bottom corner from outside the box for his maiden professional goal. Finally, the home supporters were enjoying themselves.

Fruitless Second Period Comeback Attempt

With nothing to lose, manager Nuno made a double substitution at half-time and altered to a offensive 3-4-3 formation. Yet, star attacker Jarrod Bowen was muted, and even introduction of Crysencio Summerville did not provide the necessary threat.

A persistent feeling of anxiety continued to clouded Wolves' judgment, unsure whether to clear the ball long or play out patiently. However, they need not have been concerned against such meek opponents. West Ham's inherent failings became increasingly obvious as they produced nothing of note in the attacking areas.

Crucial Matches On the Horizon

Ultimately, Wolves were the sole side capable of adding to the tally, and West Ham will be relieved the damage was not more severe. Focus now shifts to a pivotal midweek fixture at home to 17th-placed Nottingham Forest, a match vital in the fight for Premier League safety. On this showing, the Hammers should have cause to be very worried.