🔗 Share this article

This setback marks another humiliating chapter in an troubled season for West Ham, increasing serious doubts about the future of their manager. The Hammers became the first team to succumb to Wolves in this campaign, allowing the West Midlands outfit to increase their league points and lift their aspirations of evading a place in the history books as the least successful team in Premier League history.

Commanding Opening Display Secures Historic Win

Fewer than four minutes into the match, Wolves were able to demonstrate of discovering much-needed resolution. The lively Hwang Hee-chan provided a taste of his rejuvenated form with a lengthy run before laying on an assist thanks to sharp link-up play with Mateus Mané. The resulting pull-back found an untracked Jhon Arias, who tapped in from point-blank range to give Wolves a lead at Molineux for the first time since early October. Vibrancy was evident equally on the field and in the stands, a sight 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 hosts' best chance for a victory to date. At first unnerved by taking the lead, Wolves opted to defend it doggedly, dropping deep with eleven players behind the ball from an early stage.

Compliant Opponents Add to West Ham's Problems

West Ham were generous visitors, adding to their own downfall. First, former Wolves captain Max Kilman failed to execute a simple clearance from a cross, allowing Mané to pounce, only to be fouled by Soungoutou Magassa inside the box. The 18-year-old midfielder, formerly of Rochdale, was proving the key man on the pitch. Hwang took responsibility to convert the resulting spot-kick, extending the lead. Tongue-in-cheek chants of "We're going to win the league" rang around Molineux.

Lacking belief and inspiration, West Ham drifted out of the game despite controlling the ball, registering just a solitary attempt in the first half.

The visitors' frustrations deepened shortly before halftime. The confident Mané, a youngster among nervous senior players, spun exquisitely, drove infield from the left flank, and fired a low effort into the bottom corner from 18 yards for his first senior goal. At last, the Wolves supporters were enjoying themselves.

Ineffective Second Period Response

With nothing to lose, coach Nuno made a double change at the interval and switched to a more attacking 3-4-3 formation. However, key attacker Jarrod Bowen remained muted, and the introduction of Crysencio Summerville did not provide the necessary threat.

A persistent sense of anxiety still affected Wolves' judgment, uncertain whether to hoof the ball long or play out patiently. However, they had no need to been concerned against such passive opponents. West Ham's inherent failings were increasingly obvious as they created nothing of note in the attacking areas.

Critical Fixtures On the Horizon

In the end, Wolves were the sole side likely of adding to the tally, and West Ham will be relieved the damage was not more severe. Focus now shifts to a critical Tuesday fixture at home to 17th-placed Nottingham Forest, a match vital in the battle for top-flight safety. On this showing, West Ham should have every reason to be very worried.