🔗 Share this article

This defeat marks one more humiliating episode in a troubled season for West Ham, raising serious doubts about the future of their manager. The London club became the initial team to lose to Wolves in this campaign, allowing the Midlands team to increase their league points and lift their aspirations of avoiding the tag in the history books as the worst team in Premier League annals.

Dominant Opening Display Seals Long-Awaited Victory

Fewer than four minutes of the new year, Wolves managed to give the impression of discovering much-needed resolution. The lively Hwang Hee-chan offered a glimpse of his revitalised form with a lengthy run before turning provider thanks to neat link-up play with Mateus Mané. The resulting pull-back found an unmarked Jhon Arias, who tapped in from point-blank range to give Wolves a home lead for the first time since October. Energy was evident both on the pitch and in the terraces, a sight for much of the season.

Facing a side woefully short on confidence and deprived of key talent Lucas Paquetá due to injury, this was the hosts' best opportunity for a victory to date. At first unnerved by being ahead, Wolves chose to defend it doggedly, falling back with eleven players behind the ball early on.

Generous Guests Add to Their Own Problems

West Ham proved generous guests, adding to their own downfall. First, former Wolves captain Max Kilman was unable to make a routine clearance from a cross, letting Mané to pounce, only to be brought down by Soungoutou Magassa in the penalty area. The 18-year-old player, once of Rochdale, emerged as the key man on the field. Hwang stepped up to score the resulting spot-kick, doubling the lead. Ironic chants of "We're going to win the league" rang around Molineux.

Lacking belief and inspiration, West Ham drifted out of the game even with controlling possession, registering just a single attempt in the first half.

The away side's woes deepened just prior to halftime. The confident Mané, a youth among nervous adults, turned beautifully, cut in from the left flank, and unleashed a driven effort into the far corner from 18 yards for his first senior goal. Finally, the Wolves fans could enjoy themselves.

Ineffective Second-Half Comeback Attempt

With little to lose, manager Nuno made a two substitution at the interval and altered to a more attacking 3-4-3 formation. Yet, key attacker Jarrod Bowen remained quiet, and the introduction of Crysencio Summerville failed to generate the required threat.

A lingering feeling of nervousness still affected Wolves' decision-making, uncertain whether to hoof the ball to safety or build from the back. However, they need not have worried against such meek opponents. West Ham's own deficiencies became painfully obvious as they produced nothing of note in the attacking areas.

Critical Matches Lie Ahead

Ultimately, Wolves looked like the only side capable of adding to the scoreline, and West Ham will be thankful the embarrassment was not greater. Focus now turns to a pivotal Tuesday fixture at home to 17th-placed Nottingham Forest, a match essential in the fight for top-flight safety. On this showing, the Hammers have cause to be afraid.