Wolverhampton Wanderers get the perfect start to 2026 with their first Premier League win this season. Wolves are in dreamland as they beat West Ham United 3-0 at home with goals from Jhon Arias, Hee-Chan Hwang, and 18-year-old Mateus Mane.
The action began immediately as there was a goal for Wolves. John Arias with his first of the season. Striking the ball into the lower centre of the frame inside the opening four minutes.
The goal came after a shaky start to the game for Wolves, giving the ball away cheaply multiple times. They looked like they could be put under pressure early on which the team are not strangers to.
Hee Chan Hwang had a bright start to the game, getting an assist, and looked like the standout player in the first 7 minutes for Wolves who was making all the difference.
The goal meant it was only the fourth time Wolves had gone a goal in front this Premier League season.
Wolves looked happy to drop into a rigid defensive shape following the opener. Rob Edwards had clearly made up his mind for Wolves to stay switched on defensively out of possession. Tchatchoua and Hugo Bueno made it a back five when needed for Wolves.
Over a quarter of the game played, and Wolves were holding their own, playing well and keeping West Ham at bay. A rare sighting for the fans at Molineux to see.
West Ham got their first real chance of the game in the 28th minute to threaten the Wolves goal, but Freddie Potts freekick harmlessly drifts past the Wolves post.
Then in the 29th minute a penalty is awarded to Wolves. Magassa catches Mane inside the box and the spot is pointed to immediately.
Hwang steps up and makes it 2-0 to Wolves, after a brief check of VAR Hwang converts from the spot and puts it down the middle. Making it his first Wolves goal since August.
The first time Wolves had scored two in a game since the end of October 2025.
West Ham were yet to show anything 40 minutes into the game with the striker Callum Wilson only having 8 touches of the ball so far.
Then came another for Wolves. They were on absolute fire, goal in the 41st minute. Mateus Mane fires a shot from the edge of the box and bags his first senior goal for Wolves. Hugo Bueno with the assist, West Ham were to slow to react defensively.
Multiple West Ham substitutes were sent to warm up in the first half added time. Changes for West Ham seemed like they were non-negotiable.
Over 20% of Wolves' Premier League goals this season have come in the first half against West Ham.
Two substitutions for West Ham are made at half time, Soungoutou Magassa comes off for Ezra Mayers. Thomas Soucek replaces Freddie Potts.
One change was then made for Wolves as well with Andre replacing fellow Brazilian Gomes.
West Ham came into the half with a change of formation going with three at the back and started the better team.
The half time changes for West Ham allowed both wingbacks to push further forward. This meant Bowen and Summerville could get closer to striker Callum Wilson to from a front three.
West Ham were the sharper side in the second half but didn’t really come close to goal.
The second goal scorer Hwang then came off for Jorgen Strand Larsen after going down through injury in the 60th minute.
Wolves' first big chance of the second half then came from Hugo Bueno. Forcing a save from West Ham goalkeeper Areola from a 25-yard shot 63 minutes in.
Hammers fans were already heading for the exits in the 70th minute. West Ham offered very little going forward, and Wolves seemed to control the game well.
Half chances for both sides scattered across the next ten minutes. Wolves' main aim to keep a clean sheet. Wes Hamis looking highly unlikely to come back.
With 20 games played, Wolves are still in clear relegation danger with just six points this season. However, this is a huge confidence boost for the side.
Five minutes were added onto the 90 as wolves cruise to their first win of the season against relegation candidates West Ham.
