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This latest defeat constitutes another demoralizing chapter in an torrid season for West Ham, increasing major doubts about the future of their manager. The Hammers became the first team to succumb to Wolves this term, enabling the West Midlands outfit to double their league points and lift their aspirations of avoiding the tag in the history books as the worst team in Premier League history.

Commanding First-Half Display Seals Historic Win

Within four minutes of the new year, Wolves were able to give the impression of discovering much-needed confidence. The energetic Hwang Hee-chan offered a glimpse of his revitalised form with a lengthy run before laying on an assist thanks to neat link-up play with Mateus Mané. His cut-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 could be felt both on the field and in the terraces, a rarity for most of the term.

Facing a team woefully short on confidence and missing key talent Lucas Paquetá through injury, this was the home side's best chance for a victory to date. At first confused by taking the lead, Wolves chose to protect it fiercely, falling back with eleven players behind the ball early on.

Generous Opponents Add to West Ham's Problems

West Ham proved generous guests, contributing to their own demise. First, former Wolves captain Max Kilman was unable to execute a routine clearance from a cross, allowing Mané to intervene, before being fouled by Soungoutou Magassa inside the penalty area. The teenage player, once of Rochdale, emerged as the key figure on the field. Hwang took responsibility to convert the resulting penalty, extending the advantage. Tongue-in-cheek chants of "We're going to win the league" echoed around Molineux.

Lacking belief and inspiration, West Ham drifted out of the game despite dominating possession, registering just a solitary attempt in the first half.

The away side's woes deepened just prior to halftime. The fearless Mané, a youth among nervous adults, spun exquisitely, cut in from the left flank, and unleashed a driven effort into the bottom corner from outside the box for his maiden senior goal. Finally, the Wolves fans could enjoy themselves.

Ineffective Second Period Comeback Attempt

With nothing to lose, manager Nuno made a two substitution at the interval and switched to a more attacking 3-4-3 shape. Yet, star attacker Jarrod Bowen remained muted, and even introduction of Crysencio Summerville failed to provide the necessary spark.

A lingering feeling of anxiety still affected Wolves' judgment, uncertain whether to clear the ball long or play out from the back. However, they had no need to been concerned against such meek opponents. West Ham's inherent failings became increasingly obvious as they produced nothing of note in the attacking areas.

Crucial Fixtures Lie Ahead

In the end, Wolves were the sole side likely of adding to the tally, and West Ham will be thankful the embarrassment was not greater. Attention now shifts to a pivotal midweek encounter at home to relegation-threatened Nottingham Forest, a match vital in the fight for top-flight safety. On this evidence, West Ham have every reason to be very worried.