🔗 Share this article

This latest loss marks another demoralizing episode in an troubled season for West Ham, amplifying serious doubts about the prospects of their manager. The London club became the first team to lose to Wolves this term, enabling the Midlands side to increase their points tally and lift their aspirations of evading the tag in the history books as the least successful team in Premier League history.

Commanding Opening Performance Secures Historic Win

Within the first four minutes into the new year, Wolves were able to demonstrate of finding much-needed confidence. The lively Hwang Hee-chan provided a glimpse of his revitalised form with a lengthy run before turning provider following neat link-up play with Mateus Mané. The resulting pull-back found an unmarked Jhon Arias, who slid home 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 short on confidence and deprived of key talent Lucas Paquetá through injury, this represented the hosts' best chance for a win this season. Initially confused by taking the lead, Wolves chose to protect it fiercely, dropping deep with all men behind the ball early on.

Generous Opponents Compound Their Own Problems

West Ham proved accommodating visitors, contributing to their own demise. First, former Wolves captain Max Kilman failed to execute a simple clearance from a cross, allowing Mané to pounce, only to be brought down by Soungoutou Magassa in the penalty area. The 18-year-old midfielder, formerly of Rochdale, was proving the most influential figure on the pitch. Hwang took responsibility to score the subsequent penalty, doubling the lead. Ironic chants of "We're going to win the league" echoed around Molineux.

Lacking confidence and ideas, West Ham drifted out of the contest even with dominating possession, managing just a single attempt in the first half.

The away side's frustrations deepened shortly before halftime. The confident Mané, a youth among trepidatious senior players, turned beautifully, cut in from the left flank, and fired a driven effort into the far corner from 18 yards for his maiden senior goal. Finally, the home supporters were enjoying themselves.

Ineffective Second-Half Response

With nothing to lose, manager Nuno introduced a two change at the interval and altered to a more attacking 3-4-3 shape. However, key forward Jarrod Bowen was muted, and even introduction of Crysencio Summerville failed to provide the required threat.

A lingering feeling of nervousness still clouded Wolves' decision-making, unsure whether to hoof the ball to safety or build from the back. However, they need not have been concerned against such passive resistance. West Ham's inherent deficiencies were painfully obvious as they produced nothing of note in the attacking areas.

Crucial Matches On the Horizon

In the end, Wolves looked like the only side likely of adding to the scoreline, and West Ham will be relieved the damage was not more severe. Focus now turns to a pivotal Tuesday fixture at home to 17th-placed Nottingham Forest, a match essential in the fight for top-flight safety. Based on this evidence, the Hammers have every reason to be very worried.