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This defeat represents another demoralizing chapter in a troubled season for West Ham, raising major doubts about the prospects of their manager. The London club had the misfortune of becoming the first team to succumb to Wolves this term, enabling the West Midlands side to double their points tally and boost their hopes of evading the tag in the record books as the worst team in Premier League history.

Commanding Opening Display Seals Long-Awaited Win

Fewer than four minutes into the new year, Wolves managed to show signs of finding much-needed resolution. The energetic Hwang Hee-chan offered a taste of his revitalised abilities with a long run before laying on an assist following neat link-up play with Mateus Mané. His pull-back found an untracked Jhon Arias, who slid home from close range to give Wolves a lead at Molineux for the first time since early October. Vibrancy was evident equally on the field and in the stands, a rarity for much of the season.

Facing a side woefully short on confidence and missing key player Lucas Paquetá through injury, this was the home side's best opportunity for a win to date. At first unnerved by taking the lead, Wolves opted to protect it doggedly, dropping back with all players behind the ball early on.

Generous Opponents Compound Their Own Problems

West Ham were generous guests, adding to their own demise. First, ex- Wolves captain Max Kilman was unable to make a routine clearance from a cross, letting Mané to intervene, only to be brought down by Soungoutou Magassa in the penalty area. The teenage player, once of Rochdale, was proving the most influential figure on the field. Hwang took responsibility to convert the resulting spot-kick, doubling the lead. Ironic chants of "We're going to win the league" echoed around Molineux.

Short on belief and ideas, West Ham were drifting out of the contest despite controlling possession, managing just a single shot in the opening period.

The away side's woes deepened just prior to halftime. The fearless Mané, a youngster among nervous adults, spun beautifully, drove infield from the left, and unleashed a driven shot into the bottom corner from outside the box for his maiden senior goal. Finally, the home supporters were enjoying themselves.

Ineffective Second Period Comeback Attempt

With nothing to lose, manager Nuno made a two substitution at half-time and switched to a more attacking 3-4-3 formation. However, key attacker Jarrod Bowen was quiet, and the introduction of Crysencio Summerville failed to generate the necessary spark.

A lingering feeling of nervousness continued to clouded Wolves' judgment, uncertain whether to clear the ball long or build from the back. But, they need not have been concerned against such meek opponents. West Ham's inherent failings were painfully obvious as they produced nothing of substance in the final third.

Critical Fixtures On the Horizon

In the end, Wolves were the only side capable of adding to the tally, and West Ham will be thankful the damage was not more severe. Focus now turns to a pivotal Tuesday fixture at home to relegation-threatened Nottingham Forest, a match vital in the battle for top-flight safety. Based on this showing, West Ham have every reason to be very worried.