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This setback marks a further humiliating chapter in an torrid season for West Ham, increasing major questions about the future of their manager. The Hammers had the misfortune of becoming the first team to succumb to Wolves this term, allowing the Midlands team to double their points tally and boost their hopes of evading the tag in the record books as the worst team in Premier League history.

Dominant Opening Display Secures Long-Awaited Win

Fewer than the first four minutes into the new year, Wolves were able to show signs of finding much-needed resolution. The lively Hwang Hee-chan provided a taste of his rejuvenated abilities with a long run before turning provider following sharp link-up play with Mateus Mané. The resulting pull-back found an unmarked Jhon Arias, who slid home from close range to give Wolves a home lead 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 terribly out of form and deprived of creative player Lucas Paquetá due to injury, this was the home side's clearest chance for a win to date. At first confused by taking the lead, Wolves opted to protect it doggedly, dropping back with eleven men behind the ball early on.

Compliant Guests Add to West Ham's Problems

West Ham were generous guests, adding to their own downfall. First, former Wolves captain Max Kilman failed to make a routine clearance from a cross, allowing Mané to intervene, before being fouled by Soungoutou Magassa inside the box. The 18-year-old player, formerly of Rochdale, was proving the most influential figure on the field. Hwang stepped up to score the resulting spot-kick, extending the lead. Tongue-in-cheek chants of "We're going to win the league" echoed around Molineux.

Lacking belief and inspiration, West Ham drifted away from the game despite dominating possession, registering just a solitary attempt in the first half.

The away side's frustrations deepened shortly before halftime. The confident Mané, a youth among trepidatious adults, turned beautifully, drove infield from the left, and fired a driven effort into the bottom corner from 18 yards for his maiden senior goal. At last, the Wolves supporters could enjoy themselves.

Fruitless Second-Half Response

With nothing to lose, coach Nuno made a two change at half-time and altered to a offensive 3-4-3 formation. However, star attacker Jarrod Bowen remained muted, and the introduction of Crysencio Summerville failed to generate the necessary spark.

A persistent sense of nervousness still affected Wolves' judgment, uncertain whether to clear the ball long or play out patiently. However, they had no need to worried against such meek opponents. West Ham's own failings became increasingly apparent as they produced very little of note in the final third.

Crucial Fixtures Lie Ahead

In the end, Wolves looked like the only side likely of adding to the tally, and West Ham will be thankful the damage was not greater. Attention now turns to a critical Tuesday fixture at home to 17th-placed Nottingham Forest, a match essential in the battle for Premier League survival. On this evidence, West Ham have cause to be afraid.