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This latest defeat represents one more embarrassing chapter in a torrid season for West Ham, amplifying serious doubts about the prospects of their manager. The Hammers became the first team to fall to Wolves in this campaign, enabling the Midlands team to increase their league points and lift their aspirations of avoiding a place in the record books as the worst team in Premier League history.

Dominant Opening Performance Secures Historic Victory

Fewer than the first four minutes into the new year, Wolves were able to give the impression of discovering much-needed confidence. The energetic Hwang Hee-chan provided a taste of his revitalised form with a lengthy run before laying on an assist following sharp combination play with Mateus Mané. The resulting pull-back found an untracked Jhon Arias, who slid home from point-blank range to give Wolves a home lead for the first time since early October. Vibrancy was evident both on the field and in the stands, a rarity for much of the season.

Facing a side terribly short on confidence and missing creative player Lucas Paquetá through injury, this represented the home side's clearest chance for a win to date. Initially confused by taking the lead, Wolves opted to protect it doggedly, falling deep with eleven men behind the ball from an early stage.

Generous Opponents Add to West Ham's Miseries

West Ham proved generous visitors, contributing to their own demise. First, former Wolves captain Max Kilman was unable to execute a simple clearance from a cross, letting Mané to intervene, only to be fouled by Soungoutou Magassa inside the box. The 18-year-old midfielder, formerly of Rochdale, was proving the key figure on the pitch. Hwang took responsibility to score the resulting spot-kick, doubling the lead. Tongue-in-cheek chants of "We're going to win the league" echoed around Molineux.

Short on confidence and inspiration, West Ham were drifting away from the game even with controlling possession, managing just a single attempt in the first half.

The visitors' frustrations deepened shortly before halftime. The fearless Mané, a youngster among trepidatious adults, spun exquisitely, cut in from the left flank, and fired a driven effort into the far corner from 18 yards for his first professional goal. Finally, the home fans were enjoying themselves.

Ineffective Second-Half Response

With little to lose, coach Nuno made a double change at the interval and switched to a offensive 3-4-3 shape. Yet, star forward Jarrod Bowen remained quiet, and even introduction of Crysencio Summerville failed to provide the required threat.

A lingering feeling of anxiety still affected Wolves' judgment, unsure whether to hoof the ball long or play out patiently. But, they need not have worried against such meek resistance. West Ham's inherent failings became increasingly obvious as they created very little of note in the final third.

Critical Fixtures Lie Ahead

Ultimately, Wolves were the sole side likely of increasing the tally, and West Ham will be thankful the embarrassment was not greater. Attention now turns to a critical Tuesday fixture at home to 17th-placed Nottingham Forest, a match vital in the fight for top-flight safety. On this showing, the Hammers have every reason to be very worried.