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This latest defeat constitutes another embarrassing episode in a torrid season for West Ham, increasing major doubts about the prospects of their manager. The London club had the misfortune of becoming the first team to succumb to Wolves in this campaign, allowing the Midlands side to double their points tally and lift their hopes of evading the tag in the history books as the worst team in Premier League annals.

Dominant First-Half Display Seals Long-Awaited Triumph

Fewer than the first four minutes of the new year, Wolves managed to show signs of discovering some resolve. The energetic Hwang Hee-chan offered a taste of his rejuvenated form with a lengthy run before turning provider following neat link-up play with Mateus Mané. The resulting pull-back found an unmarked 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 pitch and in the stands, a rarity for most of the term.

Facing a team woefully short on confidence and deprived of creative player Lucas Paquetá through injury, this was the hosts' clearest opportunity for a victory to date. At first unnerved by being ahead, Wolves chose to defend it fiercely, dropping deep with all players behind the ball from an early stage.

Compliant Guests Add to West Ham's Problems

West Ham proved accommodating guests, contributing to their own demise. First, former Wolves captain Max Kilman failed to execute a routine clearance from a cross, allowing Mané to pounce, only to be brought down by Soungoutou Magassa in the box. The teenage player, once 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're going to win the league" echoed around Molineux.

Lacking confidence and ideas, West Ham drifted away from the contest even with controlling possession, managing just a solitary shot in the first half.

The visitors' frustrations were compounded shortly before halftime. The fearless Mané, a youth among nervous senior players, turned beautifully, cut in from the left flank, and unleashed a low shot into the bottom corner from 18 yards for his first senior goal. Finally, the Wolves fans were enjoying themselves.

Fruitless Second Period Comeback Attempt

With nothing to lose, coach Nuno introduced a double change at half-time and switched to a offensive 3-4-3 formation. Yet, star forward Jarrod Bowen was muted, and the introduction of Crysencio Summerville failed to generate the necessary threat.

A persistent feeling of anxiety still affected Wolves' decision-making, unsure whether to clear the ball to safety or build from the back. But, they had no need to worried against such passive opponents. West Ham's inherent failings became painfully obvious as they produced nothing of note in the final third.

Critical Matches Lie Ahead

Ultimately, Wolves looked like the sole side likely of increasing the scoreline, and West Ham will be relieved the embarrassment was not more severe. Focus now shifts to a pivotal Tuesday encounter at home to relegation-threatened Nottingham Forest, a match essential in the fight for top-flight safety. Based on this showing, West Ham have every reason to be afraid.