🔗 Share this article

This setback marks another demoralizing chapter in a torrid season for West Ham, increasing serious doubts about the future of head coach Nuno Espírito Santo. The Hammers became the first team to succumb to Wolves this term, allowing the West Midlands side to double their league points and lift their hopes of avoiding the tag in the record books as the least successful team in Premier League annals.

Dominant First-Half Performance Seals Long-Awaited Win

Fewer than four minutes into the new year, Wolves were able to show signs of finding some resolve. The energetic Hwang Hee-chan offered a taste of his revitalised abilities with a long run before laying on an assist following neat combination play with Mateus Mané. The resulting cut-back found an untracked Jhon Arias, who tapped in from close range to give Wolves a home lead for the first time since October. Vibrancy was evident both on the pitch and in the stands, a rarity for most of the term.

Facing a team terribly out of form and deprived of key talent Lucas Paquetá due to injury, this was the home side's clearest chance for a victory this season. Initially confused by taking the lead, Wolves opted to defend it fiercely, dropping deep with all men behind the ball early on.

Compliant Opponents Compound Their Own Miseries

West Ham were accommodating visitors, contributing to their own demise. First, former Wolves captain Max Kilman failed to make a simple clearance from a cross, letting Mané to pounce, only to be fouled by Soungoutou Magassa inside the box. The 18-year-old player, formerly of Rochdale, was proving the key man on the field. Hwang stepped up to convert the subsequent penalty, doubling the lead. Tongue-in-cheek chants of "We're going to win the league" echoed around Molineux.

Lacking belief and ideas, West Ham were drifting out of the contest despite dominating possession, managing just a single shot in the first half.

The away side's frustrations were compounded shortly before halftime. The fearless Mané, a youngster among trepidatious senior players, spun beautifully, drove infield from the left flank, and fired a low effort into the far corner from 18 yards for his first senior goal. At last, the Wolves supporters were enjoying themselves.

Fruitless Second-Half Comeback Attempt

With little to lose, coach Nuno made a double substitution at half-time and altered to a offensive 3-4-3 shape. Yet, key forward Jarrod Bowen remained quiet, and even introduction of Crysencio Summerville did not generate the necessary spark.

A persistent sense of nervousness still clouded Wolves' judgment, unsure whether to clear the ball to safety or play out patiently. But, they need not have been concerned against such meek resistance. West Ham's own failings became painfully obvious as they produced nothing of substance in the final third.

Crucial Matches On the Horizon

In the end, Wolves looked like the only side capable of increasing the scoreline, and West Ham will be relieved the embarrassment was not more severe. Attention now shifts to a critical midweek fixture at home to relegation-threatened Nottingham Forest, a match vital in the battle for top-flight safety. Based on this showing, West Ham should have cause to be very worried.