🔗 Share this article

This setback constitutes one more embarrassing episode in a torrid season for West Ham, raising major doubts about the prospects of head coach Nuno Espírito Santo. The Hammers became the first team to lose to Wolves this term, enabling the West Midlands side to double their league points and boost their aspirations of evading a place in the history books as the worst team in Premier League history.

Dominant First-Half Display Seals Long-Awaited Win

Fewer than four minutes into the new year, Wolves managed to show signs of discovering some confidence. The lively Hwang Hee-chan provided a glimpse of his rejuvenated form with a lengthy run before laying on an assist thanks to sharp link-up play with Mateus Mané. The resulting pull-back found an untracked Jhon Arias, who tapped in from point-blank range to give Wolves a lead at Molineux for the first time since October. Vibrancy was evident both on the pitch and in the terraces, a rarity for much of the term.

Facing a team terribly out of form and deprived of creative player Lucas Paquetá due to injury, this represented the home side's best chance for a win this season. Initially confused by being ahead, Wolves opted to protect it fiercely, dropping deep with eleven players behind the ball from an early stage.

Compliant Opponents Add to Their Own Miseries

West Ham proved accommodating visitors, contributing to their own downfall. First, former Wolves captain Max Kilman failed to make a routine clearance from a cross, allowing Mané to intervene, before being brought down by Soungoutou Magassa in the box. The teenage midfielder, once of Rochdale, emerged as the most influential figure on the field. Hwang stepped up to score the resulting penalty, extending the advantage. Tongue-in-cheek chants of "We will win the league" echoed around Molineux.

Lacking confidence and inspiration, West Ham drifted out of the contest despite controlling the ball, managing just a single attempt in the opening period.

The away side's frustrations deepened shortly before halftime. The confident Mané, a youngster among nervous senior players, spun exquisitely, cut in from the left, and unleashed a low effort into the bottom corner from 18 yards for his maiden professional goal. At last, the home fans were enjoying themselves.

Fruitless Second Period Comeback Attempt

With nothing to lose, manager Nuno introduced a double substitution at the interval and switched to a more attacking 3-4-3 shape. Yet, key attacker Jarrod Bowen was quiet, and the introduction of Crysencio Summerville did not provide the necessary threat.

A persistent feeling of anxiety continued to clouded Wolves' decision-making, uncertain whether to clear the ball to safety or build patiently. But, they had no need to worried against such passive resistance. West Ham's inherent deficiencies were painfully obvious as they produced nothing of substance in the final third.

Crucial Fixtures Lie Ahead

Ultimately, Wolves were the only side likely of adding to the tally, and West Ham will be thankful the embarrassment was not greater. Focus now shifts to a critical Tuesday encounter at home to relegation-threatened Nottingham Forest, a match vital in the battle for top-flight survival. On this showing, West Ham should have cause to be afraid.