Wolverhampton Wanderers finally broke their winless streak in spectacular fashion, delivering a 3-0 thrashing to a dismal West Ham United at Molineux. The victory, secured with first-half goals from Jhon Arias, Hwang Hee-chan, and Mateus Mané, marks Wolves' first three points of the Premier League season and doubles their points tally.
A Long-Awaited Molineux Celebration
The sense of relief was palpable as Wolves took the lead for the first time at home since 5 October. The breakthrough came in under four minutes, with Hwang Hee-chan showcasing revitalised energy before combining with Mateus Mané and pulling the ball back for an untracked Jhon Arias to slide home. The goal ignited an atmosphere that has been a rarity during a difficult campaign for the Midlands club.
Facing a West Ham side woefully out of form and missing their key creative force, the injured Lucas Paquetá, Wolves grew in confidence. Despite a nervous moment when goalkeeper José Sá dropped a simple cross, the hosts were gifted a chance to extend their lead. Former Wolves captain Max Kilman's failed clearance allowed Mané to be brought down in the box by Soungoutou Magassa. Hwang Hee-chan stepped up to convert the penalty, sending Molineux into raptures with ironic chants of "We're going to win the league."
Mané's Moment of Magic Seals the Deal
The standout performer was 18-year-old Mateus Mané, a former Rochdale youngster who proved the most influential player on the pitch. His crowning moment arrived when he cut in from the left, drove towards the box, and unleashed a powerful low shot from 18 yards into the corner. The goal, his first as a senior professional, effectively ended the contest before half-time and sent Wolves supporters into dreamland.
West Ham, devoid of confidence and ideas, registered just a single off-target shot in the first half. A double substitution and a shift to a more attacking 3-4-3 formation by under-pressure manager Nuno Espírito Santo at half-time did little to change the tide. Jarrod Bowen was muted, and despite Wolves showing some nervousness in possession, the visitors offered no meaningful threat in the final third.
Repercussions and the Battle for Survival
The result leaves West Ham four points adrift of Premier League safety and increases the scrutiny on former Wolves boss Nuno, who has now gone nine games without a win. For Wolves, the victory provides crucial hope of avoiding the ignominy of being labelled the worst team in Premier League history, a fate that had been speculated given their previous record of just three draws from 19 matches.
Gary O'Neil's side, however, will take immense belief from this performance as they look to build momentum. West Ham's immediate focus turns to a critical Tuesday night fixture against 17th-placed Nottingham Forest, a match that now carries enormous weight in their fight for survival. Based on this abject display at Molineux, the Hammers have every reason to be fearful.
