🔗 Share this article

This setback represents a further embarrassing chapter in a torrid season for West Ham, increasing serious doubts about the prospects of their manager. The Hammers had the misfortune of becoming the first team to fall to Wolves this term, allowing the West Midlands outfit to double their league points and boost their aspirations of evading a place in the history books as the worst team in Premier League history.

Commanding First-Half Display Seals Historic Win

Fewer than the first four minutes into the match, Wolves were able to show signs of finding much-needed resolution. The lively Hwang Hee-chan offered a taste of his revitalised form with a long run before turning provider following sharp combination play with Mateus Mané. The resulting cut-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. Vibrancy was evident both on the field and in the terraces, a sight for much of the season.

Facing a side woefully out of form and missing creative talent Lucas Paquetá through injury, this represented the home side's clearest opportunity for a win to date. At first unnerved by being ahead, Wolves opted to protect it fiercely, dropping deep with all men behind the ball from an early stage.

Compliant Opponents Add to West Ham's Miseries

West Ham proved generous visitors, adding to their own downfall. First, ex- Wolves captain Max Kilman was unable to execute a simple clearance from a cross, allowing Mané to intervene, before being brought down by Soungoutou Magassa inside the penalty area. The teenage player, once of Rochdale, was proving the most influential man on the pitch. Hwang took responsibility to score the resulting penalty, doubling the advantage. Tongue-in-cheek chants of "We will win the league" echoed around Molineux.

Lacking confidence and ideas, West Ham were drifting away from the contest despite dominating possession, registering just a solitary attempt in the first half.

The visitors' woes were compounded just prior to halftime. The fearless Mané, a youngster among trepidatious senior players, turned exquisitely, drove infield from the left, and unleashed a driven shot into the bottom corner from outside the box for his first senior goal. Finally, the Wolves supporters could enjoy themselves.

Fruitless Second Period Comeback Attempt

With nothing to lose, manager Nuno made a double change at half-time and altered to a more attacking 3-4-3 formation. However, star forward Jarrod Bowen was quiet, and the introduction of Crysencio Summerville did not generate the required spark.

A lingering sense of nervousness still affected Wolves' judgment, uncertain whether to hoof the ball long or play out from the back. But, they had no need to been concerned against such passive resistance. West Ham's inherent failings became increasingly apparent as they created nothing of substance in the attacking areas.

Critical Fixtures Lie Ahead

Ultimately, Wolves were the sole side likely of adding to the scoreline, and West Ham will be thankful the embarrassment was not greater. Focus now shifts to a critical midweek fixture at home to 17th-placed Nottingham Forest, a match essential in the fight for top-flight safety. On this evidence, West Ham should have cause to be very worried.