🔗 Share this article

This loss constitutes another demoralizing episode in a troubled season for West Ham, raising major questions about the future of head coach Nuno Espírito Santo. The London club became the initial team to succumb to Wolves in this campaign, allowing the West Midlands outfit to double their league points and boost their aspirations of evading the tag in the history books as the least successful team in Premier League history.

Dominant First-Half Display Secures Historic Win

Fewer than the first four minutes into the new year, Wolves managed to show signs of finding much-needed confidence. The lively Hwang Hee-chan offered a taste of his rejuvenated form with a lengthy run before turning provider following neat combination play with Mateus Mané. The resulting pull-back found an untracked Jhon Arias, who tapped in from point-blank range to give Wolves a home lead for the first time since October. Vibrancy could be felt both on the pitch and in the stands, a sight for most of the term.

Facing a team woefully out of form and missing key talent Lucas Paquetá through injury, this represented the home side's best chance for a victory this season. At first unnerved by being ahead, Wolves chose to defend it doggedly, falling back with all men behind the ball from an early stage.

Generous Opponents Add to Their Own Miseries

West Ham were accommodating guests, adding to their own demise. First, ex- Wolves captain Max Kilman failed to make a routine clearance from a cross, allowing Mané to intervene, only to be fouled by Soungoutou Magassa inside the box. The 18-year-old midfielder, formerly of Rochdale, was proving the most influential man on the field. Hwang took responsibility to convert the subsequent spot-kick, doubling the lead. Tongue-in-cheek chants of "We will win the league" echoed around Molineux.

Lacking belief and ideas, West Ham drifted away from the game despite controlling possession, registering just a single shot in the opening period.

The visitors' woes deepened just prior to halftime. The confident Mané, a youngster among nervous senior players, turned beautifully, drove infield from the left flank, and unleashed a low effort into the far corner from 18 yards for his maiden senior goal. At last, the Wolves supporters could enjoy themselves.

Fruitless Second Period Comeback Attempt

With little to lose, manager Nuno made a double substitution at half-time and switched to a offensive 3-4-3 formation. However, key attacker Jarrod Bowen remained muted, and even introduction of Crysencio Summerville did not generate the required spark.

A lingering feeling of anxiety still clouded Wolves' judgment, uncertain whether to hoof the ball long or play out from the back. But, they need not have worried against such meek opponents. West Ham's inherent failings were painfully obvious as they produced nothing of substance in the attacking areas.

Crucial Matches On the Horizon

Ultimately, Wolves were the sole side likely of increasing the tally, and West Ham will be relieved the damage was not greater. Focus now turns to a pivotal Tuesday encounter at home to 17th-placed Nottingham Forest, a match essential in the battle for top-flight survival. Based on this evidence, West Ham should have every reason to be very worried.