🔗 Share this article

This loss constitutes one more embarrassing episode in a torrid season for West Ham, raising serious doubts about the prospects of head coach Nuno Espírito Santo. The Hammers had the misfortune of becoming the initial team to succumb to Wolves this term, allowing the Midlands team to double their points tally and lift their hopes of avoiding a place in the history books as the worst team in Premier League history.

Commanding First-Half Performance Secures Long-Awaited Triumph

Fewer than the first four minutes of the new year, Wolves managed to demonstrate of finding much-needed confidence. The lively Hwang Hee-chan offered a taste of his revitalised abilities with a long run before turning provider thanks to neat link-up play with Mateus Mané. The resulting pull-back found an unmarked Jhon Arias, who slid home from point-blank range to give Wolves a home lead for the first time since October. Energy was evident equally on the field and in the stands, a sight for much of the season.

Facing a team terribly out of form and missing key player Lucas Paquetá due to injury, this represented the hosts' best chance for a win this season. At first confused by taking the lead, Wolves opted to defend it doggedly, falling back with all men behind the ball from an early stage.

Generous Opponents Add to West Ham's Problems

West Ham were accommodating guests, contributing to their own demise. First, ex- Wolves captain Max Kilman failed to execute a routine clearance from a cross, letting Mané to pounce, only to be brought down by Soungoutou Magassa inside the box. The 18-year-old midfielder, once of Rochdale, was proving the most influential figure on the pitch. Hwang took responsibility to score the subsequent penalty, doubling the advantage. Ironic chants of "We're going to win the league" echoed around Molineux.

Short on belief and inspiration, West Ham were drifting out of the game despite controlling possession, managing just a single attempt in the opening period.

The visitors' frustrations deepened just prior to halftime. The confident Mané, a youth among nervous senior players, turned exquisitely, drove infield from the left flank, and fired a low shot into the far corner from outside the box for his maiden senior goal. Finally, the home supporters were enjoying themselves.

Fruitless Second Period Comeback Attempt

With nothing to lose, manager Nuno introduced a double change at the interval and altered to a more attacking 3-4-3 shape. Yet, key forward Jarrod Bowen remained quiet, and the introduction of Crysencio Summerville did not provide the required threat.

A lingering feeling of anxiety still affected Wolves' judgment, unsure whether to clear the ball to safety or play out patiently. But, they need not have worried against such passive opponents. West Ham's inherent deficiencies became painfully obvious as they created very little of note in the final third.

Crucial Fixtures On the Horizon

In the end, Wolves were the sole side capable of increasing the tally, and West Ham will be thankful the embarrassment was not greater. Attention now shifts to a pivotal Tuesday encounter at home to relegation-threatened Nottingham Forest, a match vital in the fight for Premier League safety. Based on this showing, West Ham have cause to be very worried.