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This latest setback marks a further humiliating chapter in an torrid season for West Ham, raising significant doubts about the prospects of their manager. The London club became the initial team to fall to Wolves this term, allowing the West Midlands side to double their league points and lift their hopes of evading a place in the history books as the least successful team in Premier League annals.

Commanding Opening Display Secures Long-Awaited Victory

Within the first four minutes into the new year, Wolves managed to show signs of finding some confidence. The lively Hwang Hee-chan offered a glimpse of his rejuvenated form with a lengthy run before turning provider thanks to neat combination 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 early October. Vibrancy could be felt both on the pitch and in the terraces, a sight for most of the term.

Facing a team terribly out of form and deprived of creative player Lucas Paquetá through injury, this represented the home side's best opportunity for a win to date. Initially confused by being ahead, Wolves opted to protect it fiercely, dropping back with all players behind the ball from an early stage.

Compliant Opponents Add to Their Own Problems

West Ham were generous guests, adding to their own demise. First, ex- Wolves captain Max Kilman failed to make a routine clearance from a cross, allowing Mané to pounce, before being fouled by Soungoutou Magassa inside the penalty area. The 18-year-old midfielder, once of Rochdale, was proving the key figure on the pitch. Hwang stepped up to score the resulting penalty, doubling the advantage. Ironic chants of "We will win the league" echoed around Molineux.

Lacking belief and inspiration, West Ham were drifting away from the game even with dominating possession, registering just a solitary shot in the first half.

The visitors' woes deepened just prior to halftime. The fearless Mané, a youngster among nervous adults, turned exquisitely, cut in from the left flank, and fired a low shot into the bottom corner from outside the box for his maiden professional goal. Finally, the Wolves fans were enjoying themselves.

Ineffective Second-Half Response

With little to lose, coach Nuno made a two substitution at the interval and switched to a offensive 3-4-3 formation. However, key attacker Jarrod Bowen remained muted, and the introduction of Crysencio Summerville did not generate the necessary threat.

A lingering feeling of anxiety still affected Wolves' decision-making, unsure whether to clear the ball to safety or build patiently. But, they had no need to been concerned against such passive opponents. West Ham's own failings became increasingly obvious as they created very little of note in the final third.

Crucial Fixtures On the Horizon

In the end, Wolves looked like the sole side capable of increasing the scoreline, and West Ham will be thankful the damage was not more severe. Focus now shifts to a critical Tuesday fixture at home to 17th-placed Nottingham Forest, a match vital in the battle for Premier League survival. Based on this evidence, the Hammers have every reason to be very worried.