🔗 Share this article

This latest setback marks another demoralizing chapter in a difficult season for West Ham, increasing significant questions about the future of their manager. The Hammers became the initial team to succumb to Wolves this term, enabling the West Midlands outfit to double their points tally and boost their aspirations of avoiding the tag in the record books as the worst team in Premier League annals.

Commanding First-Half Performance Seals Long-Awaited Victory

Within the first four minutes of the match, Wolves managed to show signs of discovering much-needed resolve. The lively Hwang Hee-chan offered a glimpse of his revitalised abilities with a long run before laying on an assist following 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. Vibrancy was evident both on the field and in the terraces, a sight for most of the term.

Facing a team woefully short on confidence and deprived of creative talent Lucas Paquetá due to injury, this was the home side's best opportunity for a win this season. Initially confused by taking the lead, Wolves chose to defend it doggedly, falling deep with all men behind the ball early on.

Compliant Guests Compound Their Own Miseries

West Ham proved generous visitors, contributing to their own demise. First, former Wolves captain Max Kilman was unable to make a routine clearance from a cross, allowing Mané to intervene, before being brought down by Soungoutou Magassa in the box. The 18-year-old midfielder, once of Rochdale, emerged as the key figure on the pitch. Hwang stepped up to convert the resulting spot-kick, doubling the advantage. Tongue-in-cheek chants of "We're going to win the league" echoed around Molineux.

Lacking belief and ideas, West Ham drifted out of the contest despite controlling possession, registering just a solitary attempt in the first half.

The visitors' woes deepened shortly before halftime. The confident Mané, a youth among trepidatious adults, turned exquisitely, drove infield from the left flank, and unleashed a driven shot into the far corner from outside the box for his maiden professional goal. At last, the Wolves supporters were enjoying themselves.

Fruitless Second Period Comeback Attempt

With nothing to lose, manager Nuno introduced a two substitution at half-time and altered to a offensive 3-4-3 formation. Yet, key forward Jarrod Bowen remained quiet, and the introduction of Crysencio Summerville did not provide the required threat.

A persistent feeling of nervousness still affected Wolves' decision-making, unsure whether to hoof the ball to safety or build from the back. But, they had no need to worried against such passive resistance. West Ham's inherent deficiencies became painfully apparent as they created very little of substance in the final third.

Crucial Matches On the Horizon

In the end, Wolves were the only side capable of adding to the tally, and West Ham will be thankful the damage was not more severe. Attention now turns to a pivotal Tuesday encounter at home to relegation-threatened Nottingham Forest, a match vital in the fight for top-flight safety. On this showing, West Ham have every reason to be very worried.