🔗 Share this article

This latest setback represents a further embarrassing chapter in a difficult season for West Ham, increasing serious questions about the prospects of head coach Nuno Espírito Santo. The Hammers had the misfortune of becoming the initial team to succumb to Wolves this term, enabling the Midlands side to increase their points tally and boost their aspirations of avoiding a place in the history books as the worst team in Premier League annals.

Dominant Opening Display Secures Long-Awaited Win

Fewer than four minutes into the match, Wolves were able to demonstrate of finding much-needed resolve. The energetic Hwang Hee-chan offered a taste of his revitalised form with a lengthy run before laying on an assist 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 early October. Energy could be felt both on the field and in the terraces, a sight for much of the season.

Facing a side terribly out of form and missing key player Lucas Paquetá due to injury, this was the home side's clearest opportunity for a win this season. At first unnerved by being ahead, Wolves opted to defend it fiercely, dropping deep with eleven men behind the ball early on.

Compliant Opponents Add to Their Own Problems

West Ham proved generous guests, contributing to their own downfall. First, former Wolves captain Max Kilman was unable to execute a simple clearance from a cross, letting Mané to intervene, before being brought down by Soungoutou Magassa in the penalty area. The teenage midfielder, formerly of Rochdale, was proving the most influential figure on the pitch. Hwang stepped up to score the resulting penalty, doubling the advantage. Tongue-in-cheek chants of "We're going to win the league" rang around Molineux.

Lacking belief and inspiration, West Ham drifted away from the game even with dominating the ball, registering just a single shot in the opening period.

The visitors' woes deepened shortly before halftime. The fearless Mané, a youth among nervous senior players, spun beautifully, cut in from the left, and unleashed a driven shot into the far corner from 18 yards for his maiden professional goal. At last, the home fans were enjoying themselves.

Ineffective Second-Half Comeback Attempt

With nothing to lose, coach Nuno introduced a double substitution at half-time and switched to a offensive 3-4-3 shape. However, key attacker Jarrod Bowen remained quiet, and even introduction of Crysencio Summerville failed to generate the necessary threat.

A lingering feeling of nervousness still clouded Wolves' decision-making, unsure whether to hoof the ball to safety or play out patiently. But, they had no need to worried against such passive opponents. West Ham's own failings were painfully apparent as they produced nothing of note in the attacking areas.

Crucial Matches On the Horizon

In the end, Wolves looked like the sole side likely of increasing the scoreline, and West Ham will be thankful the damage was not greater. Focus now shifts to a critical midweek fixture at home to 17th-placed Nottingham Forest, a match vital in the fight for top-flight survival. On this evidence, West Ham have cause to be very worried.