🔗 Share this article

This setback marks a further demoralizing chapter in a troubled season for West Ham, raising significant doubts about the prospects of their manager. The Hammers had the misfortune of becoming the initial team to succumb to Wolves this term, enabling the Midlands team to double their points tally and boost their aspirations of evading a place in the record books as the least successful team in Premier League history.

Dominant Opening Display Seals Long-Awaited Victory

Within the first four minutes of the match, Wolves were able to show signs of discovering some resolve. The energetic Hwang Hee-chan offered a glimpse of his rejuvenated abilities with a long run before laying on an assist following sharp combination play with Mateus Mané. His cut-back found an unmarked Jhon Arias, who tapped in from point-blank range to give Wolves a home lead for the first time since October. Vibrancy was evident both on the field and in the terraces, a sight for most of the season.

Facing a side terribly out of form and deprived of key player Lucas Paquetá through injury, this was the hosts' clearest chance for a victory this season. At first confused by being ahead, Wolves opted to defend it fiercely, dropping deep with all players behind the ball from an early stage.

Compliant Opponents Add to Their Own Problems

West Ham proved generous visitors, contributing to their own downfall. First, ex- Wolves captain Max Kilman failed to execute a simple clearance from a cross, letting Mané to intervene, only to be brought down by Soungoutou Magassa in the box. The 18-year-old player, once of Rochdale, emerged as the key man on the pitch. Hwang took responsibility to convert the subsequent penalty, doubling the lead. Tongue-in-cheek chants of "We're going to win the league" rang around Molineux.

Short on belief and inspiration, West Ham drifted away from the game despite controlling possession, registering just a single attempt in the opening period.

The visitors' frustrations deepened shortly before halftime. The confident Mané, a youngster among nervous senior players, spun beautifully, drove infield from the left, and unleashed a low shot into the bottom corner from outside the box for his maiden professional goal. At last, the home fans were enjoying themselves.

Ineffective Second-Half Comeback Attempt

With little to lose, coach Nuno introduced a double change at the interval and switched to a more attacking 3-4-3 formation. Yet, star forward Jarrod Bowen remained quiet, and the introduction of Crysencio Summerville failed to generate the necessary spark.

A lingering sense of nervousness continued to clouded Wolves' judgment, uncertain whether to clear the ball long or build patiently. But, they need not have been concerned against such meek resistance. West Ham's inherent deficiencies were painfully apparent as they created nothing of note in the final third.

Critical Matches On the Horizon

Ultimately, Wolves were the sole side likely of increasing the scoreline, and West Ham will be relieved the damage was not greater. Focus now shifts to a pivotal Tuesday fixture at home to relegation-threatened Nottingham Forest, a match vital in the fight for top-flight safety. On this evidence, the Hammers should have every reason to be very worried.