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This setback marks a further embarrassing episode in an difficult season for West Ham, amplifying serious doubts about the prospects of their manager. The London club became the initial team to succumb to Wolves this term, enabling the Midlands outfit to double their league points and lift their hopes of evading a place in the record books as the worst team in Premier League annals.

Dominant First-Half Display Seals Long-Awaited Triumph

Within four minutes into the new year, Wolves were able to demonstrate of finding much-needed confidence. The lively Hwang Hee-chan provided a taste of his revitalised abilities with a long run before laying on an assist following neat link-up play with Mateus Mané. His pull-back found an unmarked Jhon Arias, who slid home from point-blank range to give Wolves a lead at Molineux for the first time since October. Vibrancy could be felt equally 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 unnerved by being ahead, Wolves chose to defend it fiercely, falling back with all men behind the ball from an early stage.

Compliant Opponents Add to Their Own Problems

West Ham proved generous guests, adding to their own demise. First, ex- Wolves captain Max Kilman was unable to make a simple clearance from a cross, allowing Mané to intervene, before being fouled by Soungoutou Magassa in the penalty area. The teenage player, once of Rochdale, emerged as the most influential figure on the pitch. Hwang took responsibility to convert the subsequent penalty, doubling the lead. Ironic chants of "We will win the league" rang around Molineux.

Lacking belief and inspiration, West Ham drifted away from the game despite controlling the ball, managing just a solitary shot in the opening period.

The away side's woes deepened just prior to halftime. The fearless Mané, a youth among nervous adults, spun exquisitely, drove infield from the left flank, and fired a driven shot into the bottom corner from outside the box for his first senior goal. At last, the home fans could enjoy themselves.

Fruitless Second-Half Response

With nothing to lose, coach Nuno introduced a two substitution at the interval and switched to a more attacking 3-4-3 shape. Yet, key attacker Jarrod Bowen remained quiet, and even introduction of Crysencio Summerville did not provide the required threat.

A lingering sense of nervousness continued to affected Wolves' judgment, uncertain whether to clear the ball long or play out from the back. But, they had no need to been concerned against such meek resistance. West Ham's own failings became painfully obvious as they created very little of note in the final third.

Crucial Matches On the Horizon

Ultimately, Wolves looked like the only side likely of adding to the tally, and West Ham will be relieved the damage was not more severe. Attention now turns to a pivotal midweek fixture at home to 17th-placed Nottingham Forest, a match essential in the battle for Premier League safety. On this evidence, West Ham have every reason to be very worried.