🔗 Share this article Wolverhampton Wanderers Rout Struggling West Ham to Register First Premier League Victory of the Campaign This loss constitutes another humiliating chapter in an torrid season for West Ham, raising major doubts about the prospects of head coach Nuno EspÃrito Santo. The London club became the first team to succumb to Wolves this term, allowing the Midlands outfit to increase their league points and boost their aspirations of avoiding the tag in the record books as the least successful team in Premier League history. Commanding Opening Performance Secures Long-Awaited Win Fewer than four minutes of the new year, Wolves managed to show signs of discovering much-needed resolve. The energetic Hwang Hee-chan provided a taste of his rejuvenated abilities with a lengthy run before laying on an assist thanks to sharp combination play with Mateus Mané. His pull-back found an unmarked Jhon Arias, who tapped in from close range to give Wolves a lead at Molineux for the first time since October. Vibrancy could be felt both on the pitch and in the terraces, a sight for much of the term. Facing a side woefully out of form and missing key player Lucas Paquetá through injury, this represented the hosts' clearest chance for a win this season. Initially unnerved by taking the lead, Wolves opted to protect it fiercely, falling deep with all men behind the ball from an early stage. Generous Guests Add to Their Own Miseries West Ham were accommodating visitors, adding to their own demise. First, ex- Wolves captain Max Kilman was unable to execute a routine clearance from a cross, letting Mané to pounce, before being brought down by Soungoutou Magassa inside the box. The 18-year-old midfielder, formerly of Rochdale, emerged as the most influential figure on the pitch. Hwang took responsibility to score the subsequent spot-kick, doubling the lead. Ironic chants of "We will win the league" rang around Molineux. Lacking belief and ideas, West Ham drifted away from the contest even with dominating the ball, registering just a single attempt in the first half. The away side's woes deepened just prior to halftime. The fearless Mané, a youngster among trepidatious senior players, turned exquisitely, cut in from the left flank, and fired a low shot into the bottom corner from 18 yards for his maiden senior goal. At last, the Wolves fans were enjoying themselves. Ineffective Second Period Comeback Attempt With little to lose, coach Nuno made a double change at half-time and switched to a more attacking 3-4-3 shape. Yet, star forward Jarrod Bowen remained quiet, and even introduction of Crysencio Summerville did not provide the required threat. A lingering sense of nervousness continued to affected Wolves' judgment, uncertain whether to clear the ball to safety or build patiently. But, they had no need to been concerned against such passive opponents. West Ham's inherent failings were increasingly apparent as they produced very little of note in the final third. Crucial Matches Lie Ahead Ultimately, Wolves looked like the only side capable of increasing the scoreline, 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 safety. On this showing, West Ham should have cause to be afraid.