This latest setback marks another humiliating chapter in a troubled season for West Ham, increasing significant doubts about the prospects of head coach Nuno Espírito Santo. The Hammers became the first team to lose to Wolves in this campaign, allowing the West Midlands outfit to double their points tally and boost their hopes of evading the tag in the record books as the worst team in Premier League history.
Within the first four minutes of the new year, Wolves managed to show signs of finding some resolve. The lively Hwang Hee-chan offered a glimpse of his rejuvenated form with a lengthy run before laying on an assist following neat combination play with Mateus Mané. His cut-back found an untracked Jhon Arias, who tapped in from close range to give Wolves a home lead for the first time since October. Energy could be felt equally on the pitch and in the stands, a rarity for most of the season.
Facing a team terribly short on confidence and deprived of creative player Lucas Paquetá through injury, this was the hosts' best opportunity for a victory this season. Initially unnerved by taking the lead, Wolves opted to protect it fiercely, falling back with all players behind the ball from an early stage.
West Ham proved accommodating visitors, adding to their own demise. First, ex- Wolves captain Max Kilman failed to execute a simple clearance from a cross, letting Mané to intervene, before being fouled by Soungoutou Magassa inside the penalty area. The teenage midfielder, once of Rochdale, emerged as the key figure on the field. Hwang stepped up to score the subsequent penalty, extending the lead. Ironic chants of "We will win the league" rang around Molineux.
Lacking confidence and inspiration, West Ham drifted out of the game despite controlling possession, managing just a solitary attempt in the opening period.
The visitors' woes were compounded shortly before halftime. The fearless Mané, a youth among trepidatious senior players, spun beautifully, cut in from the left, and fired a driven effort into the far corner from 18 yards for his maiden professional goal. At last, the Wolves supporters could enjoy themselves.
With little to lose, manager Nuno made a double substitution at half-time and switched to a offensive 3-4-3 formation. However, key forward Jarrod Bowen was quiet, and even introduction of Crysencio Summerville failed to provide the necessary spark.
A lingering sense of anxiety continued to clouded Wolves' judgment, unsure whether to clear the ball to safety or build from the back. However, they had no need to worried against such passive opponents. West Ham's inherent deficiencies became increasingly obvious as they produced very little of note in the final third.
In the end, Wolves were the sole side capable of adding to the scoreline, and West Ham will be thankful the damage was not more severe. Attention now turns to a critical Tuesday fixture at home to relegation-threatened Nottingham Forest, a match vital in the battle for Premier League safety. Based on this showing, West Ham have cause to be very worried.
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