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This setback marks a further embarrassing chapter in a troubled season for West Ham, increasing major doubts about the prospects of their manager. The Hammers had the misfortune of becoming the first team to succumb to Wolves in this campaign, allowing the Midlands outfit to increase their league points and boost their hopes of avoiding the tag in the history books as the worst team in Premier League history.

Commanding Opening Display Seals Long-Awaited Win

Fewer than the first four minutes of the new year, Wolves were able to show signs of discovering much-needed resolve. The energetic Hwang Hee-chan offered a taste of his rejuvenated abilities with a lengthy run before turning provider following sharp link-up play with Mateus Mané. His cut-back found an untracked Jhon Arias, who slid home from point-blank range to give Wolves a lead at Molineux for the first time since October. Energy was evident both on the pitch and in the stands, a sight for most of the term.

Facing a team woefully short on confidence and deprived of key talent Lucas Paquetá due to injury, this represented the hosts' clearest chance for a victory this season. Initially unnerved by being ahead, Wolves chose to protect it fiercely, dropping back with all men behind the ball early on.

Compliant Guests Add to West Ham's Miseries

West Ham were generous guests, contributing to their own demise. First, ex- Wolves captain Max Kilman was unable to execute a simple clearance from a cross, allowing Mané to intervene, before being brought down by Soungoutou Magassa inside the penalty area. The teenage midfielder, once of Rochdale, emerged as the most influential man on the pitch. Hwang stepped up to score the subsequent penalty, 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 out of the game despite controlling possession, managing just a solitary attempt in the opening period.

The away side's frustrations deepened shortly before halftime. The fearless Mané, a youngster among nervous adults, spun exquisitely, cut in from the left, and unleashed a low shot into the far corner from outside the box for his first senior goal. Finally, the Wolves fans could enjoy themselves.

Fruitless Second Period Response

With nothing to lose, manager Nuno made a two substitution at the interval and switched to a offensive 3-4-3 formation. Yet, star attacker Jarrod Bowen was muted, and even introduction of Crysencio Summerville failed to generate the required threat.

A persistent sense of anxiety continued to clouded Wolves' judgment, unsure whether to clear the ball long or build patiently. However, they need not have worried against such meek resistance. West Ham's own deficiencies became painfully obvious as they produced nothing of note in the final third.

Crucial Fixtures Lie Ahead

In the end, Wolves looked like the only side capable of increasing the scoreline, and West Ham will be relieved the embarrassment was not greater. Attention now shifts to a pivotal Tuesday encounter at home to 17th-placed Nottingham Forest, a match essential in the fight for Premier League safety. Based on this showing, West Ham have every reason to be very worried.