🔗 Share this article

This latest setback represents one more embarrassing episode in a difficult season for West Ham, amplifying major questions about the prospects of their manager. The London club had the misfortune of becoming the first team to lose to Wolves this term, enabling the West Midlands team to double their league points and boost their aspirations of avoiding the tag in the record books as the worst team in Premier League history.

Dominant First-Half Performance Seals Long-Awaited Victory

Within the first four minutes into the match, Wolves managed to show signs of finding much-needed resolution. The energetic Hwang Hee-chan offered 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 lead at Molineux for the first time since October. Energy could be felt both on the field and in the terraces, a rarity for most of the season.

Facing a side terribly out of form and deprived of key talent Lucas Paquetá due to injury, this was the home side's best chance for a win this season. At first confused by being ahead, Wolves opted to protect it fiercely, falling deep with all players behind the ball early on.

Generous Guests Add to West Ham's Problems

West Ham were accommodating guests, adding to their own demise. First, ex- Wolves captain Max Kilman failed to make a simple clearance from a cross, letting Mané to intervene, before being fouled by Soungoutou Magassa inside the box. The 18-year-old player, once of Rochdale, was proving the key man on the pitch. Hwang stepped up to convert the subsequent penalty, extending the lead. Ironic chants of "We're going to win the league" rang around Molineux.

Lacking confidence and ideas, West Ham were drifting out of the game even with controlling possession, managing just a single shot in the opening period.

The away side's woes deepened just prior to halftime. The fearless Mané, a youth among nervous adults, turned beautifully, cut in from the left, and unleashed a driven effort into the bottom corner from 18 yards for his first professional goal. At last, the home fans could enjoy themselves.

Ineffective Second Period Response

With little to lose, coach Nuno made a double substitution at the interval and switched to a offensive 3-4-3 shape. However, key forward Jarrod Bowen remained quiet, and even introduction of Crysencio Summerville failed to provide the necessary threat.

A lingering sense of anxiety still clouded Wolves' decision-making, uncertain whether to hoof the ball to safety or play out from the back. However, they need not have been concerned against such meek opponents. West Ham's own failings were painfully apparent as they created very little of substance in the final third.

Crucial Fixtures On the Horizon

In the end, Wolves looked like the only side capable of adding to the tally, and West Ham will be thankful the embarrassment was not greater. Attention now turns to a pivotal midweek encounter at home to relegation-threatened Nottingham Forest, a match vital in the battle for top-flight survival. On this evidence, West Ham should have cause to be afraid.