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This setback represents a further demoralizing episode in a troubled season for West Ham, raising serious questions about the future of their manager. The Hammers became the first team to succumb to Wolves this term, allowing the West Midlands side to double their league points and boost their hopes of evading the tag in the history books as the least successful team in Premier League history.

Commanding First-Half Display Seals Long-Awaited Triumph

Within the first four minutes of the new year, Wolves managed to show signs of finding some resolve. The energetic Hwang Hee-chan provided a taste of his revitalised abilities with a long run before turning provider following neat combination play with Mateus Mané. The resulting pull-back found an untracked Jhon Arias, who tapped in from close range to give Wolves a home lead for the first time since early October. Energy could be felt equally on the field and in the stands, a sight for most of the term.

Facing a team terribly out of form and missing key player Lucas Paquetá through injury, this was the home side's clearest chance for a victory this season. Initially confused by taking the lead, Wolves chose to defend it fiercely, falling deep with all men behind the ball from an early stage.

Compliant Guests Compound Their Own Problems

West Ham were generous visitors, contributing to their own demise. First, ex- Wolves captain Max Kilman failed to execute a routine clearance from a cross, allowing Mané to pounce, only to be fouled by Soungoutou Magassa in the box. The teenage midfielder, once of Rochdale, emerged as the key figure on the field. Hwang took responsibility to score the resulting penalty, doubling the lead. Tongue-in-cheek chants of "We will win the league" rang around Molineux.

Short on confidence and inspiration, West Ham were drifting out of the game despite controlling possession, managing just a solitary shot in the opening period.

The away side's woes deepened just prior to halftime. The confident Mané, a youngster among nervous adults, turned exquisitely, drove infield from the left flank, and fired a driven shot into the bottom corner from outside the box for his first professional goal. At last, the Wolves fans were enjoying themselves.

Ineffective Second-Half Response

With little to lose, coach Nuno made a double change at the interval and altered to a offensive 3-4-3 shape. Yet, star forward Jarrod Bowen was quiet, and the introduction of Crysencio Summerville did not generate the required spark.

A lingering feeling of nervousness continued to affected Wolves' judgment, unsure whether to hoof the ball to safety or play out patiently. But, they need not have worried against such meek resistance. West Ham's own deficiencies became increasingly apparent as they produced nothing of substance in the attacking areas.

Critical Fixtures On the Horizon

Ultimately, Wolves looked like the only side capable of increasing the scoreline, and West Ham will be relieved the damage was not more severe. Focus now turns to a critical Tuesday encounter at home to 17th-placed Nottingham Forest, a match vital in the fight for top-flight survival. Based on this evidence, the Hammers should have every reason to be very worried.