🔗 Share this article

This setback marks another humiliating chapter in an troubled season for West Ham, amplifying significant doubts about the prospects of head coach Nuno Espírito Santo. The London club became the first team to lose to Wolves this term, enabling the Midlands team to increase their points tally and lift their hopes of evading a place in the record books as the worst team in Premier League annals.

Commanding Opening Performance Seals Historic Triumph

Fewer than four minutes of the new year, Wolves were able to show signs of finding some confidence. The energetic Hwang Hee-chan provided a taste of his revitalised form with a long run before laying on an assist following sharp combination play with Mateus Mané. His pull-back found an untracked Jhon Arias, who slid home from close range to give Wolves a home lead for the first time since early October. Vibrancy was evident both on the field and in the terraces, a rarity for most of the season.

Facing a team terribly short on confidence and missing key talent Lucas Paquetá due to injury, this was the home side's clearest chance for a win to date. At first confused by being ahead, Wolves opted to defend it doggedly, falling back with all men behind the ball from an early stage.

Generous Guests Add to Their Own Miseries

West Ham were accommodating guests, adding to their own demise. First, former 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 18-year-old midfielder, once of Rochdale, emerged as the most influential figure on the pitch. Hwang stepped up to convert the resulting spot-kick, extending the lead. Ironic chants of "We're going to win the league" echoed around Molineux.

Lacking belief and inspiration, West Ham drifted away from the game despite dominating possession, registering just a single attempt in the first half.

The away side's frustrations were compounded shortly before halftime. The fearless Mané, a youngster among nervous adults, spun beautifully, drove infield from the left, and fired a driven shot into the far corner from outside the box for his maiden senior goal. At last, the home supporters were enjoying themselves.

Ineffective Second-Half Comeback Attempt

With little to lose, manager Nuno made a two change at the interval and altered to a more attacking 3-4-3 shape. However, star attacker Jarrod Bowen was muted, and even introduction of Crysencio Summerville failed to provide the necessary spark.

A persistent feeling of nervousness still clouded Wolves' judgment, uncertain whether to clear the ball long or play out from the back. However, they need not have worried against such passive resistance. West Ham's inherent deficiencies were painfully apparent as they created very little of note in the final third.

Crucial Matches Lie Ahead

In the end, Wolves looked like the sole side likely of increasing the tally, and West Ham will be thankful the damage was not greater. Focus now shifts to a pivotal Tuesday encounter at home to 17th-placed Nottingham Forest, a match essential in the battle for Premier League survival. On this showing, the Hammers have cause to be afraid.