Alan Shearer in love with ‘absolutely outstanding’ Wolves man as West Ham ‘shocking’
Newcastle United’s legendary striker gave his stamp of approval as Wolves secured their first win of the Premier League season against West Ham.
Wolves remain bottom of the Premier League table after 20 games, but with victory at Molineux Stadium on Saturday, 3 January, a sliver of hope has emerged for Rob Edwards‘ Old Gold.
After leaving Middlesbrough, Edwards was immediately under pressure, having to wait until his ninth game in charge for success, but what a three points it was against the Hammers.
Nuno Espirito Santo is expected to be sacked by West Ham after their 3-0 loss, and one man who played an important role in the result was 18-year-old Mateus Mane, grabbing his first senior goal.
The youngster was on target for Wolves’ third, following goals from Jhon Arias and Hwang Hee-Chan, and Alan Shearer gave his honest thoughts about the academy star after the full-time whistle.
Mateus Mane bags his first professional goal vs West Ham
Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live (3 January, 5:13pm), Shearer said: “Mateus Mane was absolutely outstanding. Wolves dominated West Ham; that’s as bad as I’ve seen from any team this season.
“They were shocking. Wolves didn’t allow them to play, and certainly deserved the three points. West Ham never had one effort on target. They were awful.
“I don’t like using the word, but West Ham were pathetic. They offered nothing. Players pulling out of challenges, not throwing themselves at the ball, it was as bad as I’ve seen from any team.“
While Premier League safety is still a long way off for the Old Gold, it was an incredible moment for the youngster, and one that could be very important with Everton up next on Wednesday, 7 January.
Mane’s performance by numbers suggests Rob Edwards has a star on his hands
As well as scoring Wolves’ third goal, Mane earned himself FotMob‘s Man of the Match award, having two shots on target, winning a penalty, and making five recoveries.
In addition to his work in the final third, he won two of his four tackles, made two clearances, and dived into nine ground duels, while also winning a foul for the Old Gold.
At just 18 years of age, it was an absolute delight to see a new talent coming through the ranks at Molineux. He could play a hugely key role for them this season.
The players are bound to never stop believing, and even if relegation is confirmed, players like Mane will never stop showing determination and drive to get the three points.
Edwards has brought a new spirit to Molineux, and while it is just one win in his nine games in charge, it is more than many expected following such an awful beginning to the 2025-26 campaign.