Hwang Hee-chan Faces Relegation Threat as Wolverhampton Suffers Historic EPL Losing Streak
Wolverhampton Wanderers are mired in a deepening crisis, enduring a club-record 16-game winless streak after a heartbreaking 2-1 defeat to Arsenal on January 14th, leaving the team facing a very real threat of relegation from the English Premier League (EPL).
Hwang Hee-chan, 29, has found himself battling through arguably the most challenging period of his EPL career, as his club continues to spiral downwards. The loss to Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium in London – played at 5 a.m. Korean time – marked Wolverhampton’s ninth consecutive defeat in the league, a grim statistic that underscores the severity of their current predicament.
Wolverhampton’s 1-2 loss to Arsenal in the 16th round of the 2025-2026 EPL season extended their winless run to an astonishing 16 games (2 draws, 14 losses), firmly planting them at the bottom of the league table. In stark contrast, Arsenal solidified their position at the top with 36 points, secured through 11 wins, 3 draws, and just 2 losses.
While Wolverhampton’s lack of victories is a clear indicator of their struggles, they currently hold the dubious distinction of being the only EPL team without a win in 16 games. Burnley, currently in 19th place, has managed 1 point with 3 wins, 1 draw, and 12 losses, while West Ham United occupies 18th place with 13 points from 3 wins, 4 draws, and 8 losses.
The situation appears increasingly dire, with relegation looming large. Wolverhampton’s offensive and defensive statistics paint a bleak picture: just 9 goals scored and a league-worst 35 conceded in 16 matches. A particularly concerning aspect is the lack of a consistent goalscorer, with all eight players – including Hwang Hee-chan – having found the net only once.
During the match against Arsenal, Hwang Hee-chan featured prominently, starting as one of the two forwards in a 3-5-2 formation alongside Jorgen Stran Larsen, playing for 79 minutes. Wolverhampton’s lineup also included Krejj, Andre, and Joao Gomes in midfield, with Möller Olfe and Doherty as wingbacks, and a defensive line comprised of Totti Gomes, Agbado, and Mosquera, protected by goalkeeper Sam Johnstone.
Arsenal countered with a 4-3-3 formation, spearheaded by Bukayo Saka, Victor Yoqueres, and Gabriel Martinelli, and bolstered by key players such as Declan Rice, Martin Subimhendi, and Eberechi Eze.
Arsenal dominated possession from the outset, while Wolverhampton focused on maintaining a solid defensive structure. Hwang Hee-chan actively sought opportunities to launch counterattacks, making runs into space. A significant chance arose for the South Korean forward in the 27th minute when he intercepted a clearance from Mosquera, embarking on a solo run that took him past several defenders and into the penalty area. However, his right-footed shot was ultimately blocked by Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya.
Later in the match, in the 14th minute of the second half, Hwang Hee-chan received a yellow card for a rough tackle on Lewis Kelly, a decision upheld after a VAR review. Arsenal continued to press, and the deadlock was broken in the 25th minute of the second half through a deflected corner kick from Saka. The goal was ultimately credited as an own goal, deflecting off the post and goalkeeper Sam Johnstone.
Wolverhampton attempted to respond, substituting Hwang Hee-chan and Krejj with John Arias and Per Lopes in the 35th minute of the second half. The changes briefly sparked a comeback, with Arias heading in a cross from Joao Gomez in the 45th minute, followed by Tolu Arokodare converting a header from a mid-range shot by Mane.
However, Wolverhampton’s resurgence proved short-lived. In the 4th minute of added time, another own goal sealed their fate, as a cross from Saka deflected off Mosquera and into the net. The match concluded with a 2-1 victory for Arsenal, both goals attributed to Wolverhampton’s defenders.
This latest defeat prolongs Wolverhampton’s agonizing winless streak and leaves them firmly entrenched in the relegation zone, facing an increasingly uphill battle for survival.
