🔗 Share this article

This latest setback represents another demoralizing episode in a troubled season for West Ham, increasing serious questions about the prospects of their manager. The Hammers became the first team to succumb to Wolves this term, allowing the West Midlands team to double their points tally and boost their hopes of avoiding the tag in the record books as the least successful team in Premier League annals.

Commanding Opening Display Seals Long-Awaited Victory

Within four minutes into the new year, Wolves managed to demonstrate of finding some resolve. The energetic Hwang Hee-chan provided a glimpse of his rejuvenated abilities with a lengthy run before turning provider thanks to neat link-up play with Mateus Mané. His pull-back found an unmarked Jhon Arias, who tapped in from point-blank range to give Wolves a home lead for the first time since October. Energy was evident both on the field and in the terraces, a rarity for most of the season.

Facing a side woefully short on confidence and deprived of key player Lucas Paquetá due to injury, this represented the hosts' clearest opportunity for a victory this season. At first confused by being ahead, Wolves opted to protect it fiercely, falling deep with eleven players behind the ball from an early stage.

Generous Guests Add to West Ham's Problems

West Ham proved generous guests, contributing to their own demise. First, ex- Wolves captain Max Kilman failed to execute a routine clearance from a cross, allowing Mané to pounce, before being fouled by Soungoutou Magassa inside the box. The teenage player, once of Rochdale, was proving the key figure on the pitch. Hwang stepped up to convert the subsequent penalty, doubling the lead. Ironic chants of "We will win the league" rang around Molineux.

Short on belief and ideas, West Ham drifted out of the contest even with dominating the ball, managing just a solitary shot in the first half.

The visitors' woes deepened just prior to halftime. The fearless Mané, a youngster among nervous senior players, turned beautifully, drove infield from the left flank, and fired a low shot into the bottom corner from 18 yards for his first senior goal. At last, the home supporters could enjoy themselves.

Ineffective Second Period Response

With little to lose, coach Nuno made a double change at half-time and switched to a more attacking 3-4-3 shape. Yet, key forward Jarrod Bowen was quiet, and the introduction of Crysencio Summerville failed to generate the necessary spark.

A lingering feeling of anxiety still affected Wolves' decision-making, uncertain whether to hoof the ball long or build from the back. But, they had no need to worried against such passive resistance. West Ham's inherent deficiencies became increasingly apparent as they created nothing of substance in the attacking areas.

Crucial Fixtures Lie Ahead

Ultimately, Wolves were the only side capable of increasing the scoreline, and West Ham will be thankful the damage was not greater. Attention now shifts to a pivotal midweek fixture at home to 17th-placed Nottingham Forest, a match vital in the fight for Premier League survival. On this evidence, the Hammers should have every reason to be very worried.