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This setback constitutes another humiliating episode in an torrid season for West Ham, raising major doubts about the prospects of their manager. The Hammers had the misfortune of becoming the first team to succumb to Wolves this term, allowing the West Midlands outfit to increase their league points and lift their aspirations of evading the tag in the history books as the least successful team in Premier League annals.

Dominant Opening Display Seals Historic Win

Fewer than four minutes into the new year, Wolves were able to show signs of discovering much-needed resolution. The lively Hwang Hee-chan provided a glimpse of his rejuvenated form with a long run before turning provider thanks to sharp link-up 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 field and in the terraces, a rarity for most of the season.

Facing a side woefully out of form and deprived of key player Lucas Paquetá through injury, this represented the home side's clearest opportunity for a victory to date. At first confused by being ahead, Wolves chose to protect it doggedly, dropping back with all men behind the ball early on.

Compliant Opponents Add to Their Own Problems

West Ham were accommodating guests, contributing to their own downfall. First, ex- Wolves captain Max Kilman failed to make a simple clearance from a cross, letting Mané to pounce, before being brought down by Soungoutou Magassa inside the penalty area. The teenage midfielder, formerly of Rochdale, was proving the most influential man on the field. Hwang took responsibility to convert the subsequent spot-kick, doubling the advantage. Tongue-in-cheek chants of "We will win the league" rang around Molineux.

Lacking confidence and ideas, West Ham drifted away from the contest despite controlling the ball, registering just a solitary attempt in the opening period.

The visitors' woes were compounded shortly before halftime. The confident Mané, a youth among nervous adults, turned exquisitely, cut in from the left, and fired a driven shot into the bottom corner from 18 yards for his first senior goal. At last, the home fans were enjoying themselves.

Ineffective Second-Half Comeback Attempt

With little to lose, manager Nuno introduced a double change at the interval and altered to a more attacking 3-4-3 formation. Yet, key forward Jarrod Bowen remained muted, and the introduction of Crysencio Summerville did not provide the necessary spark.

A persistent sense of nervousness continued to clouded Wolves' judgment, uncertain whether to clear the ball long or build patiently. However, they had no need to been concerned against such meek opponents. West Ham's own failings were painfully apparent as they created very little of note in the final third.

Critical Fixtures On the Horizon

Ultimately, Wolves looked like the only side likely of increasing the scoreline, and West Ham will be relieved the damage was not greater. Focus now shifts to a pivotal midweek encounter at home to relegation-threatened Nottingham Forest, a match vital in the fight for Premier League survival. On this showing, West Ham have cause to be afraid.