🔗 Share this article

This setback constitutes one more humiliating episode in an difficult season for West Ham, amplifying serious doubts about the future of head coach Nuno Espírito Santo. The Hammers had the misfortune of becoming the first team to succumb to Wolves this term, allowing the West Midlands outfit 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 history.

Commanding First-Half Performance Seals Long-Awaited Triumph

Fewer than four minutes of the new year, Wolves managed to give the impression of discovering much-needed confidence. The lively Hwang Hee-chan provided a glimpse of his revitalised abilities with a long run before turning provider thanks to sharp link-up play with Mateus Mané. His cut-back found an untracked Jhon Arias, who tapped in from close range to give Wolves a lead at Molineux for the first time since early October. Vibrancy was evident both on the field and in the terraces, a rarity for much of the season.

Facing a team terribly out of form and missing key player Lucas Paquetá through injury, this represented the hosts' best chance for a win this season. Initially unnerved by taking the lead, Wolves chose to protect it doggedly, dropping back with eleven players behind the ball from an early stage.

Compliant Opponents Add to Their Own Problems

West Ham proved accommodating visitors, adding to their own downfall. First, former Wolves captain Max Kilman was unable to execute a routine clearance from a cross, letting Mané to pounce, only to be brought down by Soungoutou Magassa inside the penalty area. The 18-year-old player, once of Rochdale, was proving the key man on the field. Hwang stepped up to score the resulting penalty, doubling the advantage. Ironic chants of "We will win the league" rang around Molineux.

Short on belief and ideas, West Ham were drifting out of the contest even with controlling possession, registering just a single shot in the opening period.

The away side's woes deepened shortly before halftime. The fearless Mané, a youth among nervous senior players, turned exquisitely, cut in from the left flank, and unleashed a low effort into the bottom corner from outside the box for his first senior goal. Finally, the Wolves supporters could enjoy themselves.

Fruitless Second Period Response

With little to lose, coach Nuno introduced a two substitution at half-time and altered to a offensive 3-4-3 formation. Yet, star attacker Jarrod Bowen was quiet, and even introduction of Crysencio Summerville failed to provide the required spark.

A lingering feeling of nervousness continued to clouded Wolves' decision-making, uncertain whether to hoof the ball to safety or build patiently. However, they need not have been concerned against such passive resistance. West Ham's own failings became painfully apparent as they created nothing of substance in the attacking areas.

Critical Matches On the Horizon

In the end, Wolves looked like the only side likely of increasing the tally, and West Ham will be thankful the damage was not greater. Focus now shifts to a pivotal midweek encounter at home to 17th-placed Nottingham Forest, a match essential in the fight for top-flight survival. On this showing, the Hammers have cause to be very worried.