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This latest setback marks another embarrassing episode in an difficult season for West Ham, amplifying major questions 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 side to increase their league points and lift their aspirations of evading a place in the history books as the worst team in Premier League history.

Dominant First-Half Performance Seals Historic Triumph

Fewer than four minutes into the new year, Wolves were able to show signs of finding much-needed resolution. The energetic Hwang Hee-chan provided a taste of his revitalised form with a long run before turning provider following sharp link-up play with Mateus Mané. His pull-back found an unmarked Jhon Arias, who tapped in from point-blank range to give Wolves a home lead for the first time since October. Energy was evident equally on the pitch and in the stands, a sight for most of the season.

Facing a side terribly out of form and deprived of key talent Lucas Paquetá due to injury, this represented the home side's clearest opportunity for a win this season. Initially confused by being ahead, Wolves opted to defend it fiercely, falling deep with all players behind the ball from an early stage.

Compliant Guests Add to Their Own Miseries

West Ham were generous guests, adding to their own demise. First, ex- Wolves captain Max Kilman was unable to execute a routine clearance from a cross, letting Mané to pounce, only to be fouled by Soungoutou Magassa in the penalty area. The teenage midfielder, once of Rochdale, was proving the most influential man on the pitch. Hwang took responsibility to convert the subsequent spot-kick, doubling the advantage. Tongue-in-cheek chants of "We're going to win the league" rang around Molineux.

Lacking confidence and inspiration, West Ham drifted out of the game despite dominating possession, registering just a solitary attempt in the opening period.

The away side's frustrations deepened just prior to halftime. The confident Mané, a youth among nervous senior players, spun exquisitely, drove infield from the left flank, and fired a driven effort into the bottom corner from outside the box for his maiden senior goal. Finally, the Wolves supporters were enjoying themselves.

Ineffective Second Period Response

With nothing to lose, coach Nuno introduced a two substitution at half-time and switched to a offensive 3-4-3 shape. However, star forward Jarrod Bowen remained muted, and the introduction of Crysencio Summerville did not provide the required spark.

A lingering feeling of anxiety continued to affected Wolves' decision-making, uncertain whether to hoof the ball long or play out from the back. However, they had no need to been concerned against such meek resistance. West Ham's inherent deficiencies were painfully obvious as they produced nothing of note in the final third.

Critical Matches On the Horizon

In the end, Wolves were the only side likely of increasing the tally, and West Ham will be thankful the damage was not greater. Attention now turns to a critical Tuesday encounter at home to relegation-threatened Nottingham Forest, a match vital in the fight for top-flight survival. Based on this showing, the Hammers have cause to be very worried.