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This latest defeat marks another embarrassing episode in an torrid season for West Ham, raising significant questions about the prospects of their manager. The Hammers became the first team to succumb to Wolves in this campaign, allowing the West Midlands side to increase their league points and boost their aspirations of avoiding the tag in the history books as the least successful team in Premier League history.

Dominant Opening Display Secures Long-Awaited Win

Within four minutes of the new year, Wolves managed to demonstrate of discovering much-needed resolve. The energetic Hwang Hee-chan provided a glimpse of his revitalised form with a lengthy run before turning provider following neat 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 early October. Vibrancy could be felt both on the pitch and in the stands, a rarity for most of the season.

Facing a side woefully out of form and missing key player Lucas Paquetá due to injury, this was the home side's best chance for a victory to date. Initially confused by taking the lead, Wolves opted to defend it doggedly, dropping deep with all men behind the ball from an early stage.

Generous Opponents Add to West Ham's Miseries

West Ham were generous visitors, contributing to their own demise. First, former Wolves captain Max Kilman failed to make a simple clearance from a cross, allowing Mané to intervene, before being fouled by Soungoutou Magassa inside the penalty area. The 18-year-old player, formerly of Rochdale, was proving the most influential man on the field. Hwang took responsibility to convert the subsequent penalty, doubling the lead. Ironic chants of "We will win the league" rang around Molineux.

Short on belief and inspiration, West Ham drifted away from the game even with dominating the ball, managing just a solitary shot in the first half.

The away side's woes deepened just prior to halftime. The fearless Mané, a youngster among nervous senior players, turned beautifully, cut in from the left flank, and unleashed a low effort into the bottom corner from 18 yards for his first senior goal. At last, the Wolves fans were enjoying themselves.

Fruitless Second-Half Response

With nothing to lose, manager Nuno introduced a two substitution at half-time and switched to a more attacking 3-4-3 shape. However, star attacker Jarrod Bowen remained muted, and even introduction of Crysencio Summerville did not generate the necessary threat.

A lingering feeling of nervousness continued to clouded Wolves' judgment, unsure whether to clear the ball long or play out from the back. However, they had no need to worried against such meek resistance. West Ham's own failings were painfully obvious as they produced very little of substance in the final third.

Critical Matches Lie Ahead

In the end, Wolves looked like the sole side likely of increasing the tally, and West Ham will be relieved the damage was not greater. Focus now turns to a critical Tuesday encounter at home to relegation-threatened Nottingham Forest, a match essential in the fight for Premier League survival. Based on this showing, West Ham should have cause to be very worried.