🔗 Share this article

This latest setback marks a further embarrassing episode in an torrid season for West Ham, raising significant questions about the future of head coach Nuno Espírito Santo. The London club became the first team to succumb to Wolves this term, allowing the Midlands outfit to increase their points tally and boost their hopes of avoiding the tag in the history books as the worst team in Premier League history.

Commanding First-Half Display Seals Long-Awaited Triumph

Fewer than the first four minutes of the match, Wolves managed to demonstrate of finding much-needed resolve. The energetic Hwang Hee-chan offered a taste of his revitalised form with a long run before turning provider following sharp link-up play with Mateus Mané. The resulting cut-back found an unmarked Jhon Arias, who tapped in from close range to give Wolves a home lead for the first time since early October. Energy could be felt both on the field and in the stands, a rarity for much of the term.

Facing a team terribly out of form and deprived of creative talent Lucas Paquetá through injury, this represented the hosts' clearest chance for a win this season. Initially confused by taking the lead, Wolves opted to protect it doggedly, falling back with eleven men behind the ball early on.

Compliant Guests Compound West Ham's Miseries

West Ham proved accommodating visitors, adding to their own downfall. First, ex- Wolves captain Max Kilman was unable to make a simple clearance from a cross, letting Mané to pounce, only to be brought down by Soungoutou Magassa inside the box. The 18-year-old player, once of Rochdale, emerged as the most influential figure on the pitch. Hwang took responsibility to score the resulting penalty, doubling the lead. Ironic chants of "We're going to win the league" rang around Molineux.

Short on confidence and inspiration, West Ham were drifting out of the game despite dominating the ball, registering just a solitary shot in the opening period.

The visitors' woes deepened shortly before halftime. The confident Mané, a youth among trepidatious senior players, turned exquisitely, cut in from the left, and fired a driven shot into the far corner from outside the box for his first senior goal. At last, the Wolves fans could enjoy themselves.

Fruitless Second Period Comeback Attempt

With nothing to lose, coach Nuno introduced a double substitution at half-time and altered to a offensive 3-4-3 shape. However, star forward Jarrod Bowen was quiet, and even introduction of Crysencio Summerville did not generate the required threat.

A lingering feeling of anxiety still affected Wolves' decision-making, uncertain whether to clear the ball long or build from the back. However, they had no need to been concerned against such meek opponents. West Ham's own failings became increasingly obvious as they created very little of substance in the final third.

Crucial Fixtures Lie Ahead

Ultimately, Wolves were the only side likely of increasing the tally, and West Ham will be thankful the embarrassment was not greater. Attention now shifts to a critical Tuesday encounter at home to relegation-threatened Nottingham Forest, a match vital in the fight for Premier League survival. Based on this evidence, the Hammers have every reason to be afraid.