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This latest loss constitutes a further embarrassing chapter in an troubled season for West Ham, raising significant questions about the prospects of their manager. The Hammers had the misfortune of becoming the first team to succumb to Wolves this term, allowing the Midlands team to double their league points and boost their aspirations of evading the tag in the record books as the worst team in Premier League history.

Dominant First-Half Performance Secures Long-Awaited Win

Fewer than four minutes of the new year, Wolves were able to show signs of discovering some resolve. The energetic Hwang Hee-chan offered a taste of his revitalised form with a long run before laying on an assist following neat combination play with Mateus Mané. The resulting pull-back found an unmarked Jhon Arias, who slid home from point-blank range to give Wolves a lead at Molineux for the first time since early October. Energy could be felt both on the pitch and in the terraces, a sight for most of the term.

Facing a side woefully out of form and missing key player Lucas Paquetá due to injury, this was the home side's clearest opportunity for a win this season. Initially confused by being ahead, Wolves chose to defend it doggedly, dropping deep with eleven players behind the ball from an early stage.

Generous Opponents Compound Their Own Miseries

West Ham were generous guests, contributing to their own downfall. First, ex- Wolves captain Max Kilman was unable to make a simple clearance from a cross, allowing Mané to pounce, before being fouled by Soungoutou Magassa in the box. The teenage midfielder, formerly of Rochdale, emerged as the key man on the pitch. Hwang took responsibility to convert the resulting spot-kick, extending the lead. Tongue-in-cheek chants of "We're going to win the league" echoed around Molineux.

Short on belief and inspiration, West Ham drifted out of the game despite dominating the ball, registering just a single attempt in the first half.

The visitors' woes were compounded just prior to halftime. The fearless Mané, a youngster among nervous adults, spun exquisitely, drove infield from the left flank, and fired a low shot into the bottom corner from 18 yards for his maiden professional goal. At last, the home fans were enjoying themselves.

Fruitless Second Period Comeback Attempt

With little to lose, manager Nuno introduced a two substitution at half-time and altered to a more attacking 3-4-3 formation. However, key attacker Jarrod Bowen was muted, and even introduction of Crysencio Summerville failed to provide the required spark.

A lingering feeling of anxiety continued to affected Wolves' decision-making, uncertain whether to hoof the ball to safety or build patiently. However, they need not have worried against such meek resistance. West Ham's own failings became painfully obvious as they produced very little of note in the attacking areas.

Crucial Fixtures On the Horizon

Ultimately, Wolves looked like the sole side likely of increasing the scoreline, and West Ham will be thankful the damage was not greater. Focus now shifts to a pivotal midweek fixture at home to relegation-threatened Nottingham Forest, a match essential in the fight for Premier League safety. On this showing, the Hammers should have every reason to be very worried.