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This defeat marks a further humiliating chapter in an difficult season for West Ham, amplifying serious questions about the prospects of their manager. The Hammers became the initial team to fall to Wolves this term, enabling the Midlands outfit to double their league points and lift their hopes of avoiding the tag in the history books as the worst team in Premier League history.

Commanding Opening Performance Secures Long-Awaited Win

Fewer than the first four minutes of the new year, Wolves managed to give the impression of finding some resolution. The energetic Hwang Hee-chan provided a taste of his rejuvenated form with a lengthy run before turning provider following neat link-up play with Mateus Mané. The resulting cut-back found an untracked Jhon Arias, who tapped in from point-blank range to give Wolves a lead at Molineux for the first time since early October. Vibrancy could be felt equally on the pitch and in the stands, a rarity for much of the term.

Facing a team woefully short on confidence and missing creative talent Lucas Paquetá through injury, this was the hosts' best opportunity for a victory this season. At first unnerved by being ahead, Wolves opted to defend it fiercely, dropping deep with all men behind the ball from an early stage.

Generous Guests Add to Their Own Problems

West Ham were generous visitors, contributing to their own demise. First, ex- Wolves captain Max Kilman was unable to make a simple clearance from a cross, letting Mané to pounce, only to be brought down by Soungoutou Magassa in the box. The 18-year-old player, formerly of Rochdale, emerged as the most influential man on the pitch. Hwang stepped up to score the subsequent penalty, doubling the advantage. Tongue-in-cheek chants of "We will win the league" echoed around Molineux.

Lacking belief and ideas, West Ham drifted out of the game despite controlling the ball, managing just a solitary shot in the opening period.

The visitors' woes deepened shortly before halftime. The confident Mané, a youngster among nervous senior players, turned beautifully, drove infield from the left flank, and fired a driven shot into the far corner from 18 yards for his first professional goal. At last, the Wolves fans were enjoying themselves.

Fruitless Second Period Comeback Attempt

With nothing to lose, coach Nuno introduced a two substitution at half-time and switched to a more attacking 3-4-3 formation. Yet, star forward Jarrod Bowen remained muted, and even introduction of Crysencio Summerville failed to generate the required threat.

A lingering sense of anxiety continued to clouded Wolves' decision-making, unsure whether to hoof the ball to safety or build from the back. But, they had no need to been concerned against such passive resistance. West Ham's own deficiencies became increasingly apparent as they produced nothing of substance in the final third.

Crucial Fixtures Lie Ahead

In the end, Wolves were the only side capable of adding to the tally, and West Ham will be relieved the embarrassment was not more severe. Attention now shifts to a pivotal midweek encounter at home to 17th-placed Nottingham Forest, a match vital in the fight for Premier League safety. On this showing, the Hammers should have every reason to be very worried.