đ Share this article Wolves Thrash Struggling West Ham to Register Maiden League Win of the Season This defeat constitutes a further humiliating episode in a troubled season for West Ham, amplifying major doubts about the future of head coach Nuno EspĂrito Santo. The London club had the misfortune of becoming the initial team to lose to Wolves in this campaign, allowing the West Midlands side to double their league points and boost their aspirations of avoiding a place in the history books as the worst team in Premier League history. Dominant Opening Display Secures Historic Win Fewer than four minutes into the match, Wolves were able to give the impression of finding some resolution. The energetic Hwang Hee-chan provided a taste of his revitalised form with a lengthy run before laying on an assist following sharp link-up play with Mateus ManĂ©. The resulting pull-back found an unmarked Jhon Arias, who tapped in from point-blank range to give Wolves a lead at Molineux for the first time since early October. Vibrancy was evident both on the field and in the stands, a rarity for most of the term. Facing a team woefully short on confidence and missing creative talent Lucas PaquetĂĄ due to injury, this was the hosts' best chance for a win this season. Initially unnerved by taking the lead, Wolves opted to defend it fiercely, dropping deep with all players behind the ball from an early stage. Compliant Guests Compound Their Own Miseries West Ham proved generous visitors, adding to their own demise. First, former Wolves captain Max Kilman was unable to execute a simple clearance from a cross, allowing ManĂ© to intervene, before being fouled by Soungoutou Magassa inside the box. The 18-year-old midfielder, formerly of Rochdale, was proving the most influential figure on the field. Hwang stepped up to convert the resulting penalty, doubling the lead. Ironic chants of "We will win the league" rang around Molineux. Short on confidence and inspiration, West Ham drifted away from the contest even with dominating possession, registering just a single shot in the first half. The away side's frustrations were compounded shortly before halftime. The fearless ManĂ©, a youngster among trepidatious senior players, spun beautifully, cut in from the left flank, and unleashed a driven shot into the bottom corner from outside the box for his maiden senior goal. At last, the Wolves supporters were enjoying themselves. Ineffective Second Period Response With little to lose, coach Nuno introduced a double substitution at half-time and switched to a more attacking 3-4-3 formation. Yet, star forward Jarrod Bowen remained quiet, and even introduction of Crysencio Summerville failed to generate the necessary threat. A persistent feeling of anxiety still affected Wolves' decision-making, unsure whether to hoof the ball to safety or play out patiently. But, they need not have been concerned against such meek resistance. West Ham's own deficiencies were painfully obvious as they created very little of note in the attacking areas. Crucial Matches On the Horizon Ultimately, Wolves looked like the sole side likely of adding to the scoreline, and West Ham will be relieved the damage was not greater. Focus now shifts to a critical midweek fixture at home to relegation-threatened Nottingham Forest, a match essential in the battle for Premier League survival. On this showing, West Ham have cause to be afraid.