🔗 Share this article

This loss constitutes a further embarrassing episode in an troubled season for West Ham, increasing significant doubts about the future of their manager. The Hammers had the misfortune of becoming the first team to lose to Wolves this term, enabling the West Midlands team to increase their league points and boost their hopes of avoiding the tag in the history books as the worst team in Premier League history.

Commanding First-Half Display Secures Historic Win

Fewer than four minutes of the new year, Wolves were able to give the impression of finding much-needed confidence. The energetic Hwang Hee-chan provided a glimpse of his revitalised form with a lengthy run before turning provider thanks to neat link-up play with Mateus Mané. His pull-back found an untracked Jhon Arias, who tapped in from close range to give Wolves a home lead for the first time since October. Energy could be felt equally on the pitch and in the stands, a sight for most of the season.

Facing a team woefully out of form and deprived of creative talent Lucas Paquetá due to injury, this was the home side's best chance for a win to date. Initially confused by being ahead, Wolves chose to protect it fiercely, falling deep with all men behind the ball from an early stage.

Compliant Guests Add to Their Own Miseries

West Ham were generous visitors, contributing to their own downfall. First, former Wolves captain Max Kilman was unable to make a routine clearance from a cross, allowing Mané to pounce, before being fouled by Soungoutou Magassa in the penalty area. The teenage player, once of Rochdale, emerged as the key man on the field. Hwang stepped up to score the resulting spot-kick, extending the advantage. Tongue-in-cheek chants of "We will win the league" echoed around Molineux.

Short on confidence and inspiration, West Ham drifted out of the game even with dominating possession, managing just a single shot in the opening period.

The visitors' frustrations deepened shortly before halftime. The confident Mané, a youngster among trepidatious adults, turned exquisitely, drove infield from the left flank, and unleashed a driven shot into the bottom corner from outside the box for his maiden professional goal. At last, the Wolves fans were enjoying themselves.

Fruitless Second-Half Comeback Attempt

With nothing to lose, manager Nuno made a double substitution at half-time and altered to a more attacking 3-4-3 formation. Yet, star forward Jarrod Bowen remained quiet, and even introduction of Crysencio Summerville failed to generate the required threat.

A lingering sense of nervousness still affected Wolves' judgment, unsure whether to hoof the ball to safety or play out patiently. However, they need not have worried against such passive resistance. West Ham's inherent deficiencies were painfully obvious as they produced very little of note in the attacking areas.

Critical Matches Lie Ahead

In the end, Wolves were the only side capable of adding to the scoreline, and West Ham will be thankful the damage was not more severe. Attention now turns to a pivotal Tuesday fixture at home to relegation-threatened Nottingham Forest, a match essential in the fight for top-flight safety. Based on this showing, West Ham should have cause to be very worried.