🔗 Share this article

This loss marks a further demoralizing episode in an torrid season for West Ham, raising major questions about the future of their manager. The Hammers became the first team to fall to Wolves this term, enabling the Midlands team to increase their league points and lift their aspirations of avoiding the tag in the history books as the least successful team in Premier League annals.

Commanding Opening Performance Seals Long-Awaited Win

Within the first four minutes of the new year, Wolves managed to show signs of finding much-needed resolve. The energetic Hwang Hee-chan provided a taste of his rejuvenated form with a lengthy run before laying on an assist following sharp link-up play with Mateus Mané. His cut-back found an untracked Jhon Arias, who slid home from point-blank range to give Wolves a lead at Molineux for the first time since October. Energy could be felt both on the field and in the stands, a rarity for most of the term.

Facing a side terribly out of form and missing creative talent Lucas Paquetá through injury, this represented the hosts' best opportunity for a win to date. At first confused by being ahead, Wolves opted to protect it doggedly, falling deep with all men behind the ball early on.

Compliant Opponents Add to West Ham's Problems

West Ham were generous guests, adding 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 fouled by Soungoutou Magassa inside the penalty area. The teenage midfielder, once of Rochdale, emerged as the key figure on the field. Hwang stepped up to convert the subsequent penalty, doubling the lead. Ironic chants of "We're going to win the league" echoed around Molineux.

Short on confidence and ideas, West Ham drifted away from the contest even with controlling the ball, managing just a solitary attempt in the first half.

The visitors' frustrations deepened just prior to halftime. The fearless Mané, a youngster among trepidatious adults, turned beautifully, drove infield from the left flank, and fired a driven effort into the bottom corner from outside the box for his first professional goal. At last, the Wolves supporters were enjoying themselves.

Ineffective Second Period Comeback Attempt

With nothing to lose, coach Nuno introduced a double substitution at half-time and switched to a offensive 3-4-3 shape. However, star attacker Jarrod Bowen remained quiet, and the introduction of Crysencio Summerville failed to generate the necessary threat.

A persistent sense of anxiety continued to affected Wolves' decision-making, unsure whether to clear the ball to safety or play out patiently. But, they need not have been concerned against such meek opponents. West Ham's own deficiencies were painfully apparent as they produced nothing of substance in the attacking areas.

Crucial Matches Lie Ahead

Ultimately, Wolves looked like the only side likely of adding to the scoreline, and West Ham will be relieved the embarrassment was not more severe. Focus now shifts to a pivotal midweek fixture at home to 17th-placed Nottingham Forest, a match vital in the battle for top-flight survival. On this showing, the Hammers have cause to be afraid.