The Molineux Miracle: Wolves Kick Off 2026 with a Bang

As of Matchweek 21, the mood in Wolverhampton has shifted from despair to defiant hope. For 19 gruelling matches, Wolverhampton Wanderers endured the worst winless start in Premier League history. But on Saturday, January 3rd, the drought finally ended in spectacular fashion.

In a "relegation six-pointer" at Molineux, Wolves dismantled West Ham United 3-0, securing not only their first three points of the season but also their first clean sheet of the 2025/26 campaign. Pundits and fans alike are asking the question: Can Wolves do the impossible and avoid relegation?

⚡ A First-Half Blitz to End the "Curse"

Rob Edwards’ side didn't just win; they dominated from the first whistle. The "Old Gold" looked like a team possessed, ending the contest before the halftime oranges were even sliced. It can be said that they thoroughly dismantled a tired and weary West Ham Side.

• 4th Minute: Hee-chan Hwang darted down the left and squared a perfect ball for Jhon Arias, who slid home his first goal for the club.

  
  

• 31st Minute: Teenage sensation Mateus Mane was brought down in the box. Hwang stepped up and coolly slotted the penalty.

  
  

• 41st Minute: Mane cut inside from the flank and unleashed a long-range strike into the bottom-left corner, becoming the youngest Premier League scorer in Wolves’ history at 18 years and 109 days.

This first-half thumping sealed the deal for Wolves as West Ham never got back into the game, and Wolves eased out a comfortable victory in a fortuitous turn of events at Molineux.

📊 Breaking the Cycle of Struggle

Before this victory, Wolves were staring down the barrel of historic failure, nearing Bolton’s 1902 record of 22 games without a win. They had already superceded Derby County's miserable record as the worst campaign in the Premier League so far.

West Ham failed to muster a single shot on target against Wolves, whilst the Old Gold managed a brilliant 8 at Molineux. West Ham dominated possession but failed to capitalise on it, whereas Wolves displayed clinical counter-attacking play and effective transition tactics.

🔥 Challenges Still Linger

Despite this dramatic win, Wolves’ season remains a fight:

• Winless streak: 19 games without a victory had tested morale and consistency.

  
  

• Defensive fragility: Past games exposed vulnerabilities that need correcting.

  
  

• Scoring struggles: Before Mane’s emergence, attacking play was often toothless.

🧠 Tactical Resilience and Rising Talent

While the win brings immense relief, the season has been defined by deep challenges. Managerial pressure mounted as the squad struggled to adapt to new tactical approaches, exacerbated by defensive lapses and a lack of clinical finishing. The squad has failed to deliver all season and looked like they had given up during certain games this season.

However, Rob Edwards' impact is starting to show. By integrating fearless youth like Mané and maintaining the leadership of senior players like Hwang, Edwards has injected a "bounce" back into the dressing room. The introduction of Mateus Mane into the starting XI has been transformative. His fearless intensity and selfless work rate have revitalised an attack that had looked ineffective for much of the season.

🔮 Is the Great Escape On?

The win offers a vital lifeline, but consistent discipline will be necessary to bridge the gap to safety. Wolves are currently 6 points behind 19th-placed Burnley and 12 points behind Nottingham Forest in 17th. With momentum from a 1-1 draw at Old Trafford followed by this 3-0 demolition, Wolves travel to face Everton. While back-to-back wins seem unlikely, should they be able to secure more vital points, the "Great Escape" could well and truly be on.

Should Wolves escape relegation this season, it will undoubtedly be one of the greatest Premier League recoveries and stories. Time will tell if the Old Gold can rescue their season.