🔗 Share this article

This latest defeat marks another embarrassing episode in an difficult season for West Ham, raising major doubts about the future of head coach Nuno Espírito Santo. The Hammers became the first team to fall to Wolves this term, enabling the Midlands side to increase their points tally and lift their hopes of evading a place in the record books as the worst team in Premier League annals.

Dominant Opening Display Seals Historic Triumph

Within the first four minutes into the new year, Wolves managed to demonstrate of finding some resolve. The lively Hwang Hee-chan offered a taste of his revitalised abilities with a lengthy run before turning provider thanks to sharp combination play with Mateus Mané. His pull-back found an unmarked 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 sight for much of the term.

Facing a team terribly out of form and deprived of key talent Lucas Paquetá through injury, this represented the hosts' clearest opportunity for a win this season. At first confused by taking the lead, Wolves opted to defend it fiercely, dropping back with all players behind the ball early on.

Compliant Opponents Add to West Ham's Miseries

West Ham were accommodating guests, contributing to their own demise. First, former Wolves captain Max Kilman was unable to execute a simple clearance from a cross, allowing Mané to intervene, only to be fouled by Soungoutou Magassa inside the box. The 18-year-old player, formerly of Rochdale, emerged as the most influential man on the pitch. Hwang stepped up to score the resulting penalty, extending the lead. Tongue-in-cheek chants of "We will win the league" echoed around Molineux.

Lacking confidence and inspiration, West Ham were drifting out of the game despite dominating the ball, managing just a single shot in the first half.

The away side's frustrations were compounded just prior to halftime. The confident Mané, a youth among trepidatious adults, turned exquisitely, cut in from the left flank, and fired a low shot into the far corner from 18 yards for his maiden senior goal. At last, the Wolves fans were enjoying themselves.

Fruitless Second-Half Response

With nothing to lose, manager Nuno made a two substitution at half-time and switched to a offensive 3-4-3 shape. However, star 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, uncertain whether to clear the ball long or play out from the back. But, they had no need to been concerned against such meek opponents. West Ham's inherent failings became painfully obvious as they produced very little of substance in the final third.

Crucial Fixtures Lie Ahead

In the end, Wolves were the only side likely of adding to the tally, and West Ham will be thankful the embarrassment was not greater. Focus now turns to a critical midweek fixture at home to relegation-threatened Nottingham Forest, a match essential in the battle for Premier League safety. Based on this showing, the Hammers have cause to be very worried.