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This latest defeat marks one more humiliating chapter in an troubled season for West Ham, amplifying major questions about the prospects of their manager. The London club became the first team to succumb to Wolves this term, enabling the West Midlands team to double their league points and boost their aspirations of evading a place in the record books as the least successful team in Premier League history.

Commanding Opening Display Secures Long-Awaited Win

Within the first four minutes into the new year, Wolves managed to show signs of finding some resolve. The energetic Hwang Hee-chan provided a taste of his rejuvenated abilities with a long run before turning provider thanks to neat 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. Vibrancy could be felt both on the pitch and in the stands, a rarity for most of the term.

Facing a team woefully out of form and deprived of creative talent Lucas Paquetá due to injury, this was the home side's best opportunity for a victory this season. Initially confused by being ahead, Wolves opted to protect it fiercely, dropping back with eleven men behind the ball from an early stage.

Generous Guests Add to Their Own Problems

West Ham proved accommodating guests, contributing to their own demise. First, former Wolves captain Max Kilman failed to make a routine clearance from a cross, allowing Mané to pounce, only to be brought down by Soungoutou Magassa inside the box. The teenage midfielder, formerly of Rochdale, was proving the key figure on the field. Hwang took responsibility 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 out of the contest despite controlling the ball, registering just a single shot in the first half.

The away side's frustrations deepened shortly before halftime. The confident Mané, a youth among nervous adults, spun exquisitely, cut in from the left, and fired a driven effort into the far corner from outside the box for his first senior goal. At last, the home supporters could enjoy themselves.

Ineffective Second-Half Response

With little to lose, coach Nuno introduced a two substitution at half-time and switched to a more attacking 3-4-3 shape. Yet, key attacker Jarrod Bowen was muted, and even introduction of Crysencio Summerville failed to generate the required threat.

A lingering feeling of anxiety continued to clouded Wolves' judgment, unsure whether to hoof the ball to safety or play out from the back. However, they need not have been concerned against such passive opponents. West Ham's inherent failings were increasingly apparent as they created nothing of substance in the attacking areas.

Crucial Fixtures Lie Ahead

In the end, Wolves looked like the sole side likely of adding to the scoreline, and West Ham will be relieved the embarrassment was not greater. Attention now turns to a critical Tuesday fixture at home to relegation-threatened Nottingham Forest, a match vital in the fight for Premier League safety. On this showing, West Ham should have every reason to be very worried.