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This setback represents a further embarrassing chapter in a torrid season for West Ham, increasing serious doubts about the future of their manager. The London club became the first team to lose to Wolves in this campaign, enabling the Midlands outfit to double their league points and boost their hopes of avoiding a place in the record books as the worst team in Premier League annals.

Dominant Opening Display Seals Long-Awaited Victory

Fewer than four minutes of the new year, Wolves managed to show signs of discovering much-needed resolve. The energetic Hwang Hee-chan offered a glimpse of his revitalised form with a lengthy run before turning provider following neat link-up play with Mateus Mané. The resulting cut-back found an untracked Jhon Arias, who slid home from close range to give Wolves a lead at Molineux for the first time since early October. Vibrancy could be felt equally on the field and in the terraces, a sight for much of the season.

Facing a team terribly out of form and deprived of creative player Lucas Paquetá through injury, this was the hosts' clearest opportunity for a victory this season. Initially confused by taking the lead, Wolves chose to defend it doggedly, falling back with eleven players behind the ball from an early stage.

Generous Opponents Compound Their Own Problems

West Ham proved generous visitors, contributing to their own demise. First, former Wolves captain Max Kilman was unable to make a simple clearance from a cross, letting Mané to pounce, only to be fouled by Soungoutou Magassa in the box. The teenage midfielder, once of Rochdale, emerged as the key man on the field. Hwang stepped up to convert the resulting penalty, doubling the advantage. Ironic chants of "We're going to win the league" rang around Molineux.

Lacking belief and inspiration, West Ham were drifting away from the contest despite dominating possession, managing just a solitary attempt in the first half.

The visitors' frustrations deepened shortly before halftime. The confident Mané, a youngster among nervous senior players, spun exquisitely, cut in from the left flank, and fired a low shot into the bottom corner from 18 yards for his maiden senior goal. At last, the Wolves fans were enjoying themselves.

Fruitless Second-Half Comeback Attempt

With little to lose, manager Nuno introduced a two substitution at half-time and switched to a offensive 3-4-3 shape. However, key attacker Jarrod Bowen was muted, and even introduction of Crysencio Summerville failed to generate the required spark.

A persistent sense of nervousness continued to clouded Wolves' judgment, unsure whether to hoof the ball long or play out from the back. But, they need not have worried against such passive resistance. West Ham's own failings were increasingly apparent as they created nothing of substance in the attacking areas.

Crucial Fixtures Lie Ahead

In the end, Wolves looked like the only side likely of increasing the scoreline, and West Ham will be relieved the embarrassment was not more severe. Attention now turns to a critical Tuesday fixture at home to 17th-placed Nottingham Forest, a match vital in the fight for top-flight survival. On this evidence, the Hammers should have cause to be afraid.