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This latest loss constitutes one more embarrassing episode in a torrid season for West Ham, increasing major doubts about the future of their manager. The London club became the initial team to succumb to Wolves in this campaign, allowing the Midlands side to increase their points tally and lift their hopes of avoiding the tag in the record books as the worst team in Premier League annals.

Commanding First-Half Performance Seals Historic Win

Within four minutes into the new year, Wolves managed to give the impression of finding much-needed resolve. The energetic Hwang Hee-chan offered a taste of his rejuvenated form with a lengthy run before turning provider following sharp link-up play with Mateus Mané. The resulting cut-back found an unmarked Jhon Arias, who tapped in from close range to give Wolves a home lead for the first time since October. Energy could be felt both on the pitch and in the stands, a sight for much of the term.

Facing a team terribly short on confidence and deprived of key talent Lucas Paquetá through injury, this was the home side's clearest opportunity for a victory this season. Initially unnerved by being ahead, Wolves chose to defend it doggedly, falling back with all men behind the ball from an early stage.

Generous Guests Add to West Ham's Miseries

West Ham were accommodating visitors, contributing to their own demise. First, former Wolves captain Max Kilman failed to execute a routine clearance from a cross, letting Mané to pounce, only to be brought down by Soungoutou Magassa inside the penalty area. The teenage midfielder, once of Rochdale, was proving the key figure on the pitch. Hwang took responsibility to score the resulting penalty, doubling the advantage. Ironic chants of "We will win the league" echoed around Molineux.

Short on belief and ideas, West Ham were drifting away from the contest even with dominating the ball, registering just a solitary attempt in the opening period.

The away side's frustrations were compounded just prior to halftime. The fearless Mané, a youth among trepidatious senior players, turned exquisitely, cut in from the left, and unleashed a low effort into the bottom corner from outside the box for his maiden professional goal. At last, the Wolves supporters could enjoy themselves.

Ineffective Second Period Comeback Attempt

With nothing to lose, manager Nuno made a double substitution at half-time and altered to a offensive 3-4-3 shape. Yet, key forward Jarrod Bowen remained quiet, and the introduction of Crysencio Summerville did not generate the necessary spark.

A persistent sense of anxiety still clouded Wolves' judgment, unsure whether to clear the ball to safety or build patiently. However, they had no need to been concerned against such passive opponents. West Ham's inherent deficiencies became increasingly apparent as they produced very little of substance in the final third.

Crucial Fixtures Lie Ahead

Ultimately, Wolves looked like the only side likely of increasing the tally, and West Ham will be relieved the damage was not more severe. Attention now turns to a critical midweek encounter at home to relegation-threatened Nottingham Forest, a match essential in the battle for Premier League survival. On this evidence, the Hammers have cause to be afraid.