🔗 Share this article

This setback constitutes another embarrassing episode in a difficult season for West Ham, increasing serious questions about the future of their manager. The London club had the misfortune of becoming the initial team to succumb to Wolves in this campaign, enabling the Midlands team to double their points tally and boost their hopes of evading a place in the record books as the least successful team in Premier League history.

Commanding Opening Performance Secures Historic Win

Fewer than the first four minutes into the match, Wolves managed to give the impression of discovering much-needed confidence. The energetic Hwang Hee-chan offered a taste of his revitalised form with a long run before laying on an assist following sharp link-up play with Mateus Mané. The resulting pull-back found an untracked Jhon Arias, who slid home from close range to give Wolves a lead at Molineux for the first time since early October. Energy was evident both on the pitch and in the stands, a rarity for much of the season.

Facing a side woefully out of form and deprived of key player Lucas Paquetá through injury, this was the hosts' clearest chance for a win this season. Initially confused by being ahead, Wolves chose to protect it fiercely, falling deep with eleven men behind the ball from an early stage.

Generous Opponents Add to West Ham's Problems

West Ham were accommodating visitors, adding to their own demise. First, ex- Wolves captain Max Kilman failed to make a simple clearance from a cross, letting Mané to intervene, only to be fouled by Soungoutou Magassa in the box. The 18-year-old player, once of Rochdale, emerged as the key figure on the pitch. Hwang took responsibility to score the resulting penalty, extending the lead. Ironic chants of "We're going to win the league" rang around Molineux.

Short on belief and inspiration, West Ham were drifting out of the game even with dominating possession, managing just a single shot in the first half.

The visitors' woes deepened shortly before halftime. The fearless Mané, a youngster among trepidatious senior players, turned exquisitely, drove infield from the left, and unleashed a driven shot into the far corner from 18 yards for his first senior goal. Finally, the home supporters were enjoying themselves.

Fruitless Second Period Comeback Attempt

With little to lose, coach Nuno made a double substitution at half-time and altered to a offensive 3-4-3 shape. However, star forward Jarrod Bowen remained muted, and the introduction of Crysencio Summerville did not generate the necessary spark.

A lingering sense of nervousness continued to clouded Wolves' decision-making, unsure whether to clear the ball to safety or build patiently. But, they had no need to been concerned against such meek resistance. West Ham's inherent deficiencies were painfully apparent as they created nothing of note in the attacking areas.

Crucial Matches Lie Ahead

In the end, Wolves were the sole side likely of adding to the scoreline, and West Ham will be relieved the damage was not more severe. Attention now turns to a critical midweek fixture at home to 17th-placed Nottingham Forest, a match essential in the fight for Premier League survival. Based on this evidence, the Hammers have cause to be very worried.