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This latest defeat marks a further embarrassing episode in an difficult season for West Ham, raising major doubts about the prospects of their manager. The London club had the misfortune of becoming the first team to succumb to Wolves in this campaign, allowing the West Midlands side to double their league points and boost their aspirations of evading a place in the record books as the least successful team in Premier League annals.

Commanding First-Half Performance Seals Historic Win

Fewer than four minutes of the new year, Wolves managed to show signs of finding much-needed resolve. The lively Hwang Hee-chan provided a glimpse of his rejuvenated abilities with a lengthy run before turning provider following sharp combination play with Mateus Mané. His pull-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. Energy was evident equally on the field and in the stands, a rarity for most of the season.

Facing a team woefully short on confidence and missing creative player Lucas Paquetá due to injury, this was the hosts' clearest opportunity for a victory this season. Initially unnerved by taking the lead, Wolves opted to protect it fiercely, falling back with all players behind the ball from an early stage.

Compliant Opponents Add to West Ham's Problems

West Ham proved accommodating visitors, contributing to their own demise. First, former Wolves captain Max Kilman failed to make a simple clearance from a cross, letting Mané to intervene, only to be fouled by Soungoutou Magassa in the box. The 18-year-old midfielder, once of Rochdale, was proving the key figure on the pitch. Hwang took responsibility to score the subsequent penalty, extending the lead. Tongue-in-cheek chants of "We're going to win the league" rang around Molineux.

Short on belief and inspiration, West Ham were drifting out of the contest despite dominating possession, registering just a single attempt in the opening period.

The visitors' frustrations were compounded just prior to halftime. The fearless Mané, a youth among nervous adults, turned exquisitely, drove infield from the left, and fired a low shot into the bottom corner from 18 yards for his maiden senior goal. Finally, the Wolves fans were enjoying themselves.

Fruitless Second-Half Comeback Attempt

With nothing to lose, coach Nuno introduced a two substitution at half-time and altered to a offensive 3-4-3 formation. However, key forward Jarrod Bowen remained quiet, and the introduction of Crysencio Summerville failed to generate the necessary threat.

A persistent feeling of anxiety still clouded Wolves' decision-making, uncertain whether to hoof the ball to safety or play out from the back. But, they had no need to been concerned against such meek opponents. West Ham's inherent deficiencies were increasingly apparent as they produced nothing of substance in the attacking areas.

Crucial Fixtures On the Horizon

Ultimately, Wolves looked like the sole 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 Tuesday encounter at home to 17th-placed Nottingham Forest, a match vital in the fight for Premier League survival. On this showing, the Hammers should have every reason to be afraid.