🔗 Share this article

This defeat constitutes another embarrassing chapter in a difficult season for West Ham, increasing serious questions about the prospects of their manager. The Hammers had the misfortune of becoming the first team to succumb to Wolves this term, allowing the Midlands side to increase their league points and boost their hopes of evading the tag in the record books as the worst team in Premier League history.

Dominant Opening Performance Seals Historic Triumph

Fewer than the first four minutes into the match, Wolves managed to show signs of discovering some confidence. The lively Hwang Hee-chan provided a glimpse of his revitalised abilities with a long run before turning provider thanks to neat link-up play with Mateus Mané. His cut-back found an unmarked Jhon Arias, who slid home from point-blank range to give Wolves a home lead for the first time since early October. Energy was evident equally on the field and in the terraces, a sight for most of the season.

Facing a team woefully out of form and deprived of key player Lucas Paquetá due to injury, this was the hosts' clearest chance for a win to date. At first unnerved by being ahead, Wolves chose to protect it fiercely, dropping deep with eleven players behind the ball early on.

Compliant Guests Compound West Ham's Miseries

West Ham were generous visitors, contributing to their own downfall. First, ex- Wolves captain Max Kilman was unable to make a routine clearance from a cross, letting Mané to intervene, before being brought down by Soungoutou Magassa in the box. The teenage player, once of Rochdale, was proving the key figure on the pitch. Hwang stepped up to convert the subsequent spot-kick, extending the advantage. Tongue-in-cheek chants of "We're going to win the league" echoed around Molineux.

Short on confidence and ideas, West Ham were drifting out of the game despite dominating the ball, managing just a single attempt in the opening period.

The visitors' woes were compounded shortly before halftime. The confident Mané, a youth among nervous senior players, turned exquisitely, drove infield from the left, and fired a driven shot into the far corner from outside the box for his first professional goal. Finally, the home fans were enjoying themselves.

Fruitless Second-Half Comeback Attempt

With little to lose, coach Nuno introduced a two substitution at the interval and altered to a offensive 3-4-3 shape. However, key attacker Jarrod Bowen remained muted, and even introduction of Crysencio Summerville did not provide the required threat.

A persistent feeling of nervousness continued to affected Wolves' decision-making, unsure whether to hoof the ball long or build from the back. But, they had no need to worried against such meek resistance. West Ham's own failings became increasingly apparent as they created nothing of substance in the final third.

Crucial Fixtures On the Horizon

Ultimately, Wolves were the sole side capable of increasing the scoreline, and West Ham will be thankful the embarrassment was not greater. Focus now turns to a critical midweek fixture at home to 17th-placed Nottingham Forest, a match vital in the battle for Premier League safety. On this evidence, the Hammers should have every reason to be afraid.