🔗 Share this article

This latest defeat constitutes one more humiliating episode in a difficult season for West Ham, raising serious questions about the prospects of their manager. The London club had the misfortune of becoming the first team to fall to Wolves in this campaign, enabling the West Midlands outfit to double their points tally and lift their aspirations of avoiding a place in the record books as the worst team in Premier League annals.

Dominant Opening Performance Secures Long-Awaited Win

Within four minutes into the match, Wolves managed to give the impression of finding some resolution. The lively Hwang Hee-chan offered a glimpse of his revitalised abilities with a lengthy run before turning provider thanks to sharp combination play with Mateus Mané. The resulting pull-back found an untracked Jhon Arias, who slid home from close range to give Wolves a lead at Molineux for the first time since October. Energy could be felt both on the pitch and in the stands, a rarity for most of the season.

Facing a team terribly short on confidence and missing key player Lucas Paquetá through injury, this was the home side's best chance for a victory to date. At first unnerved by taking the lead, Wolves chose to protect it fiercely, dropping deep with all players behind the ball early on.

Compliant Opponents Add to West Ham's Miseries

West Ham were generous visitors, adding to their own downfall. First, ex- 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 penalty area. The 18-year-old player, formerly of Rochdale, emerged as the most influential figure on the pitch. Hwang took responsibility to convert the resulting spot-kick, doubling the lead. Ironic chants of "We will win the league" echoed around Molineux.

Short on confidence and ideas, West Ham drifted away from the game despite controlling possession, registering just a solitary shot in the first half.

The visitors' frustrations deepened just prior to halftime. The fearless Mané, a youth among nervous senior players, spun exquisitely, cut in from the left flank, and unleashed a driven effort into the bottom corner from outside the box for his first senior goal. Finally, the home fans were enjoying themselves.

Fruitless Second-Half Comeback Attempt

With little to lose, manager Nuno introduced a double substitution at half-time and switched to a offensive 3-4-3 shape. Yet, star forward Jarrod Bowen remained quiet, and the introduction of Crysencio Summerville failed to generate the required spark.

A lingering sense of anxiety still clouded Wolves' decision-making, uncertain whether to clear the ball to safety or build patiently. However, they need not have been concerned against such passive resistance. West Ham's inherent deficiencies were painfully apparent as they created very little of substance in the final third.

Critical Fixtures On the Horizon

In the end, Wolves looked like the sole side likely of increasing the tally, and West Ham will be thankful the embarrassment was not more severe. Attention now shifts to a pivotal midweek encounter at home to relegation-threatened Nottingham Forest, a match essential in the battle for top-flight safety. On this showing, West Ham have every reason to be afraid.