🔗 Share this article

This setback represents another embarrassing episode in an difficult season for West Ham, increasing serious questions about the future of their manager. The London club became the initial team to fall to Wolves in this campaign, enabling the West Midlands team to increase their league points and boost their hopes of avoiding the tag in the record books as the least successful team in Premier League history.

Dominant First-Half Display Seals Historic Triumph

Within four minutes into the match, Wolves were able to show signs of discovering much-needed resolve. The lively Hwang Hee-chan offered a glimpse of his revitalised form with a long run before turning provider following neat combination play with Mateus Mané. The resulting pull-back found an unmarked Jhon Arias, who slid home from close range to give Wolves a lead at Molineux for the first time since early October. Energy could be felt both on the pitch and in the stands, a sight for most of the season.

Facing a team terribly out of form and missing creative player Lucas Paquetá through injury, this represented the home side's clearest opportunity for a victory this season. Initially confused by being ahead, Wolves chose to defend it fiercely, falling deep with all players behind the ball early on.

Compliant Opponents Compound West Ham's Problems

West Ham proved generous guests, adding to their own downfall. First, ex- Wolves captain Max Kilman failed to make a routine clearance from a cross, allowing Mané to pounce, before being brought down by Soungoutou Magassa in the box. The teenage player, once of Rochdale, emerged as the most influential man on the pitch. Hwang stepped up to score the subsequent penalty, extending the advantage. Tongue-in-cheek chants of "We will win the league" echoed around Molineux.

Lacking confidence and ideas, West Ham were drifting out of the contest despite dominating possession, registering just a single attempt in the opening period.

The away side's frustrations deepened just prior to halftime. The confident Mané, a youngster among nervous adults, turned beautifully, cut in from the left flank, and fired a low shot into the far corner from 18 yards for his maiden professional goal. Finally, the Wolves fans were enjoying themselves.

Fruitless Second-Half Response

With little to lose, manager Nuno made a double change at half-time and altered to a more attacking 3-4-3 shape. However, star attacker Jarrod Bowen remained muted, and even introduction of Crysencio Summerville failed to provide the necessary threat.

A persistent feeling of anxiety still affected Wolves' judgment, uncertain whether to hoof the ball to safety or build patiently. But, they need not have been concerned against such meek resistance. West Ham's inherent deficiencies became increasingly apparent as they produced very little of note in the attacking areas.

Crucial Fixtures Lie Ahead

Ultimately, Wolves looked like the only side likely of adding to the tally, and West Ham will be thankful the embarrassment was not more severe. Attention now turns to a critical midweek fixture at home to relegation-threatened Nottingham Forest, a match essential in the fight for Premier League survival. Based on this evidence, the Hammers have every reason to be very worried.