🔗 Share this article

This latest setback marks a further embarrassing episode in an troubled season for West Ham, raising major questions about the prospects of head coach Nuno Espírito Santo. The London club had the misfortune of becoming the initial team to fall to Wolves this term, enabling the West Midlands team to increase their points tally and boost their aspirations of avoiding the tag in the record books as the worst team in Premier League history.

Commanding Opening Performance Secures Historic Victory

Fewer than the first four minutes into the new year, Wolves managed to show signs of discovering some resolution. The energetic Hwang Hee-chan provided 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 point-blank range to give Wolves a lead at Molineux for the first time since early October. Energy was evident both on the pitch and in the terraces, a sight for much of the season.

Facing a side woefully out of form and missing creative player Lucas Paquetá due to injury, this was the hosts' best chance for a win this season. At first unnerved by taking the lead, Wolves chose to protect it doggedly, dropping back with all players behind the ball from an early stage.

Generous Opponents Compound Their Own Miseries

West Ham proved accommodating visitors, contributing to their own downfall. First, ex- Wolves captain Max Kilman was unable to make a routine clearance from a cross, letting Mané to pounce, before being fouled by Soungoutou Magassa in the penalty area. The teenage player, formerly of Rochdale, was proving the key man on the field. Hwang stepped up to convert the subsequent penalty, extending the lead. Tongue-in-cheek chants of "We're going to win the league" rang around Molineux.

Lacking belief and inspiration, West Ham were drifting away from the game even with dominating the ball, managing just a solitary attempt in the first half.

The away side's frustrations were compounded shortly before halftime. The confident Mané, a youngster among trepidatious senior players, turned beautifully, drove infield from the left flank, and unleashed a driven shot into the far corner from outside the box for his first senior goal. At last, the Wolves supporters were enjoying themselves.

Ineffective Second Period Comeback Attempt

With little to lose, manager Nuno made a two substitution at half-time and altered to a more attacking 3-4-3 formation. Yet, key attacker Jarrod Bowen was quiet, and even introduction of Crysencio Summerville did not provide the required spark.

A persistent feeling of anxiety still clouded Wolves' judgment, unsure whether to hoof the ball to safety or build from the back. However, they need not have been concerned against such meek resistance. West Ham's inherent deficiencies became painfully obvious as they created nothing of substance in the attacking areas.

Crucial Matches Lie Ahead

Ultimately, Wolves were the only side likely of increasing the tally, and West Ham will be thankful the embarrassment was not greater. Focus now turns to a pivotal midweek encounter at home to relegation-threatened Nottingham Forest, a match vital in the fight for top-flight safety. Based on this showing, West Ham have cause to be very worried.