🔗 Share this article

This loss marks a further demoralizing episode in an torrid season for West Ham, amplifying major doubts about the prospects of their manager. The Hammers became the initial team to succumb to Wolves this term, allowing the West Midlands outfit to double their points tally and boost their aspirations of avoiding a place in the record books as the worst team in Premier League history.

Dominant Opening Performance Secures Long-Awaited Triumph

Within the first four minutes of the new year, Wolves were able to show signs of discovering much-needed resolve. The energetic Hwang Hee-chan offered a taste of his revitalised form with a long run before laying on an assist thanks to sharp link-up play with Mateus Mané. His pull-back found an unmarked Jhon Arias, who slid home from point-blank range to give Wolves a lead at Molineux for the first time since October. Energy was evident equally on the pitch and in the terraces, a rarity for most of the season.

Facing a side woefully short on confidence and missing creative talent Lucas Paquetá due to injury, this was the hosts' best opportunity for a victory this season. Initially confused by being ahead, Wolves chose to protect it doggedly, dropping deep with all players behind the ball from an early stage.

Generous Opponents Compound Their Own Problems

West Ham proved generous visitors, adding to their own demise. First, ex- Wolves captain Max Kilman was unable to execute a simple clearance from a cross, letting Mané to intervene, only to be fouled by Soungoutou Magassa inside the penalty area. The 18-year-old player, once of Rochdale, was proving the most influential figure on the pitch. Hwang stepped up to score the subsequent spot-kick, doubling the advantage. Tongue-in-cheek chants of "We're going to win the league" rang around Molineux.

Lacking confidence and ideas, West Ham were drifting out of the game despite controlling possession, managing just a single attempt in the opening period.

The visitors' woes deepened shortly before halftime. The confident Mané, a youngster among trepidatious senior players, turned exquisitely, cut in from the left, and fired a low effort into the bottom corner from 18 yards for his first senior goal. At last, the Wolves fans could enjoy themselves.

Fruitless Second-Half Response

With nothing to lose, coach Nuno introduced a two substitution at half-time and switched to a offensive 3-4-3 shape. Yet, star forward Jarrod Bowen remained muted, and the introduction of Crysencio Summerville failed to provide the required threat.

A persistent sense of nervousness still clouded Wolves' judgment, unsure whether to hoof the ball long or build patiently. However, they need not have worried against such passive resistance. West Ham's inherent deficiencies were painfully apparent as they created very little of note in the attacking areas.

Crucial Fixtures Lie Ahead

Ultimately, Wolves were the sole side likely of adding to the tally, and West Ham will be thankful the embarrassment was not more severe. Focus now shifts to a critical midweek fixture at home to 17th-placed Nottingham Forest, a match vital in the battle for top-flight safety. On this showing, West Ham should have cause to be very worried.