π Share this article Wolves Rout Woeful West Ham to Register First Premier League Victory of the Season This latest defeat constitutes a further embarrassing chapter in an troubled season for West Ham, increasing serious doubts about the prospects of their manager. The Hammers had the misfortune of becoming the first team to fall to Wolves in this campaign, enabling the Midlands side to double their league points and lift their aspirations of avoiding the tag in the record books as the least successful team in Premier League history. Dominant Opening Performance Secures Historic Win Within four minutes of the match, Wolves managed to show signs of finding some resolution. The energetic Hwang Hee-chan offered a glimpse of his revitalised form with a long run before turning provider thanks to sharp combination play with Mateus ManΓ©. The resulting pull-back found an untracked Jhon Arias, who slid home from point-blank range to give Wolves a lead at Molineux for the first time since early October. Energy could be felt both on the pitch and in the stands, a sight for most of the term. Facing a team terribly short on confidence and deprived of creative player Lucas PaquetΓ‘ through injury, this was the hosts' clearest opportunity for a win to date. Initially confused by taking the lead, Wolves chose to protect it doggedly, dropping deep with eleven players behind the ball from an early stage. Generous Guests Compound Their Own Problems West Ham were generous guests, contributing to their own downfall. First, ex- Wolves captain Max Kilman was unable to execute a routine clearance from a cross, allowing ManΓ© to pounce, only to be brought down by Soungoutou Magassa in the box. The 18-year-old midfielder, formerly of Rochdale, emerged as the most influential man on the field. Hwang took responsibility to convert the subsequent spot-kick, extending the lead. Ironic chants of "We will win the league" echoed around Molineux. Short on confidence and inspiration, West Ham were drifting away from the game even with controlling the ball, registering just a solitary shot in the first half. The away side's woes deepened just prior to halftime. The fearless ManΓ©, a youth among nervous adults, turned exquisitely, cut in from the left, and fired a driven shot into the far corner from outside the box for his first professional goal. Finally, the home fans could enjoy themselves. Ineffective Second Period Response With little to lose, manager Nuno introduced a double change at the interval and altered to a more attacking 3-4-3 shape. However, key attacker Jarrod Bowen was muted, and the introduction of Crysencio Summerville did not provide the necessary spark. A lingering feeling of nervousness still affected Wolves' decision-making, unsure whether to clear the ball to safety or build from the back. However, they need not have worried against such meek resistance. West Ham's own failings were increasingly apparent as they created very little of note in the attacking areas. Critical Fixtures Lie Ahead Ultimately, Wolves were the sole side likely of increasing the tally, and West Ham will be relieved the embarrassment was not more severe. Attention now turns to a critical midweek fixture at home to 17th-placed Nottingham Forest, a match vital in the fight for top-flight survival. Based on this showing, the Hammers have every reason to be afraid.