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This setback constitutes another humiliating chapter in a difficult season for West Ham, raising major doubts about the prospects of their manager. The Hammers became the initial team to fall to Wolves this term, allowing the Midlands team to double their points tally and boost their hopes of avoiding a place in the record books as the worst team in Premier League history.

Dominant First-Half Performance Seals Long-Awaited Triumph

Within four minutes into the new year, Wolves managed to show signs of discovering some resolution. The lively Hwang Hee-chan provided a taste of his rejuvenated form with a long run before laying on an assist thanks to neat combination 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 October. Energy could be felt both on the pitch and in the stands, a sight for most of the season.

Facing a side terribly out of form and deprived of key player Lucas Paquetá through injury, this was the hosts' clearest chance for a victory this season. Initially unnerved by being ahead, Wolves opted to protect it fiercely, dropping back with all men behind the ball from an early stage.

Compliant Opponents Add to West Ham's Miseries

West Ham proved accommodating visitors, adding to their own downfall. First, former Wolves captain Max Kilman was unable to execute a simple clearance from a cross, allowing Mané to intervene, only to be brought down by Soungoutou Magassa inside the penalty area. The teenage midfielder, formerly of Rochdale, emerged as the most influential figure on the pitch. Hwang took responsibility to score the subsequent spot-kick, doubling the lead. Tongue-in-cheek chants of "We will win the league" rang around Molineux.

Short on confidence and inspiration, West Ham were drifting out of the game even with controlling the ball, registering just a solitary attempt in the first half.

The visitors' woes deepened shortly before halftime. The confident Mané, a youth among trepidatious senior players, spun exquisitely, cut in from the left, and unleashed a driven shot into the far corner from 18 yards for his maiden professional goal. At last, the home supporters could enjoy themselves.

Fruitless Second-Half Comeback Attempt

With little to lose, manager Nuno made a double substitution at the interval and switched to a offensive 3-4-3 formation. However, star forward Jarrod Bowen was quiet, and the introduction of Crysencio Summerville did not generate the required spark.

A persistent feeling of nervousness still clouded Wolves' decision-making, unsure whether to clear the ball to safety or play out patiently. But, they had no need to been concerned against such passive resistance. West Ham's own failings were painfully obvious as they produced nothing of note in the attacking areas.

Critical Fixtures Lie Ahead

Ultimately, Wolves looked like the only side likely of increasing the scoreline, and West Ham will be relieved the embarrassment was not more severe. Focus now shifts to a critical midweek encounter at home to relegation-threatened Nottingham Forest, a match essential in the battle for top-flight survival. Based on this showing, the Hammers have every reason to be very worried.