🔗 Share this article

This latest defeat constitutes another embarrassing episode in a troubled season for West Ham, amplifying serious doubts about the prospects of their manager. The Hammers became the initial team to lose to Wolves this term, enabling the Midlands outfit to double their points tally and lift their hopes of evading the tag in the record books as the least successful team in Premier League annals.

Commanding Opening Display Seals Long-Awaited Win

Fewer than the first four minutes into the match, Wolves managed to give the impression of finding much-needed resolve. The energetic Hwang Hee-chan offered a taste of his revitalised abilities with a lengthy run before turning provider following neat link-up play with Mateus Mané. His pull-back found an unmarked Jhon Arias, who slid home from close range to give Wolves a lead at Molineux for the first time since early October. Energy could be felt equally on the pitch and in the terraces, a rarity for much of the season.

Facing a side woefully short on confidence and deprived of key player Lucas Paquetá due to injury, this was the home side's clearest opportunity for a victory this season. Initially unnerved by being ahead, Wolves opted to protect it doggedly, falling deep with eleven men behind the ball early on.

Compliant Guests Compound Their Own Miseries

West Ham were accommodating visitors, contributing to their own downfall. First, former Wolves captain Max Kilman was unable to make a routine clearance from a cross, letting Mané to intervene, before being fouled by Soungoutou Magassa in the penalty area. The teenage midfielder, once of Rochdale, was proving the most influential figure on the field. Hwang took responsibility to convert the subsequent penalty, doubling the lead. Ironic chants of "We're going to win the league" rang around Molineux.

Short on belief and ideas, West Ham drifted out of the game even with dominating the ball, registering just a single shot in the first half.

The visitors' frustrations were compounded shortly before halftime. The fearless Mané, a youth among trepidatious senior players, spun exquisitely, cut in from the left flank, and unleashed a driven shot into the bottom corner from 18 yards for his first senior goal. At last, the Wolves fans were enjoying themselves.

Ineffective Second-Half Comeback Attempt

With little to lose, coach Nuno introduced a double change at half-time and altered to a offensive 3-4-3 formation. Yet, star forward Jarrod Bowen remained muted, and the introduction of Crysencio Summerville did not provide the required spark.

A persistent feeling of anxiety continued to affected Wolves' decision-making, unsure whether to hoof the ball long or build patiently. But, they had no need to been concerned against such meek opponents. West Ham's own failings became painfully apparent as they produced very little of substance in the attacking areas.

Crucial Fixtures On the Horizon

Ultimately, Wolves looked like the sole side likely of adding to the tally, and West Ham will be relieved the embarrassment was not greater. Focus now turns to a critical Tuesday fixture at home to relegation-threatened Nottingham Forest, a match essential in the fight for Premier League safety. On this showing, West Ham have cause to be afraid.