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This latest defeat marks one more demoralizing chapter in an difficult season for West Ham, increasing serious doubts about the prospects of their manager. The London club became the first team to fall to Wolves in this campaign, allowing the West Midlands outfit to increase their points tally and lift their aspirations of evading the tag in the history books as the worst team in Premier League history.

Dominant Opening Performance Secures Historic Triumph

Fewer than four minutes of the new year, Wolves were able to show signs of discovering much-needed resolve. The energetic Hwang Hee-chan offered a glimpse of his rejuvenated abilities with a lengthy run before laying on an assist following neat combination play with Mateus Mané. The resulting pull-back found an untracked Jhon Arias, who tapped in from close range to give Wolves a home lead for the first time since October. Energy could be felt equally on the pitch and in the stands, a sight for much of the season.

Facing a team terribly short on confidence and deprived of creative talent Lucas Paquetá due to injury, this was the home side's best opportunity for a victory to date. Initially confused by being ahead, Wolves opted to defend it doggedly, falling deep with all men behind the ball from an early stage.

Compliant Opponents Compound Their Own Miseries

West Ham were accommodating guests, adding to their own demise. First, former Wolves captain Max Kilman failed to make a routine clearance from a cross, allowing Mané to intervene, only to be fouled by Soungoutou Magassa inside the penalty area. The teenage midfielder, once of Rochdale, was proving the key man on the pitch. Hwang stepped up to score the resulting penalty, extending the lead. Tongue-in-cheek chants of "We're going to win the league" echoed around Molineux.

Lacking confidence and ideas, West Ham drifted out of the contest despite controlling possession, registering just a single shot in the first half.

The visitors' woes deepened just prior to halftime. The fearless Mané, a youngster among trepidatious senior players, turned beautifully, drove infield from the left, and unleashed a driven effort into the bottom corner from 18 yards for his maiden professional goal. Finally, the Wolves supporters could enjoy themselves.

Ineffective Second Period Comeback Attempt

With nothing to lose, manager Nuno made a double substitution at the interval and switched to a more attacking 3-4-3 formation. Yet, key attacker Jarrod Bowen was quiet, and the introduction of Crysencio Summerville did not generate the required threat.

A lingering sense of anxiety continued to affected Wolves' judgment, unsure whether to clear the ball long or play out from the back. But, they need not have been concerned against such meek opponents. West Ham's inherent deficiencies became painfully obvious as they created very little of note in the attacking areas.

Crucial Fixtures On the Horizon

In the end, Wolves looked like the only side capable of adding to the tally, and West Ham will be relieved the embarrassment was not more severe. Focus now turns to a critical midweek encounter at home to 17th-placed Nottingham Forest, a match vital in the fight for top-flight survival. On this showing, the Hammers have every reason to be very worried.