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This latest defeat marks a further embarrassing chapter in a torrid season for West Ham, raising serious doubts about the future of their manager. The London club became the first team to lose to Wolves this term, enabling the West Midlands outfit to increase their league points and lift their aspirations of avoiding a place in the history books as the worst team in Premier League history.

Dominant Opening Performance Secures Long-Awaited Triumph

Fewer than four minutes of the new year, Wolves were able to show signs of finding some confidence. The lively Hwang Hee-chan provided a glimpse of his revitalised form with a long run before laying on an assist following neat combination play with Mateus Mané. His 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 was evident both on the field and in the terraces, a rarity for most of the term.

Facing a team woefully short on confidence and missing key player Lucas Paquetá due to injury, this represented the hosts' best chance for a victory to date. At first unnerved by being ahead, Wolves chose to defend it doggedly, dropping back with all players behind the ball early on.

Compliant Opponents Add to West Ham's Miseries

West Ham were accommodating guests, adding to their own downfall. First, former Wolves captain Max Kilman failed to execute a routine clearance from a cross, allowing Mané to pounce, only to be fouled by Soungoutou Magassa inside the box. The 18-year-old midfielder, once of Rochdale, emerged as the key figure on the field. Hwang stepped up to score the resulting penalty, doubling the lead. Tongue-in-cheek chants of "We will win the league" rang around Molineux.

Lacking belief and ideas, West Ham drifted out of the contest despite dominating possession, registering just a single shot in the first half.

The visitors' frustrations were compounded shortly before halftime. The confident Mané, a youngster among nervous senior players, turned beautifully, drove infield from the left, and unleashed a low shot into the far corner from 18 yards for his first senior goal. At last, the home fans could enjoy themselves.

Ineffective Second-Half Response

With nothing to lose, manager Nuno introduced a double change at the interval and switched to a more attacking 3-4-3 formation. However, key attacker Jarrod Bowen remained quiet, and even introduction of Crysencio Summerville did not generate the necessary threat.

A persistent feeling of nervousness continued to clouded Wolves' decision-making, uncertain whether to clear the ball to safety or play out patiently. However, they had no need to been concerned against such passive opponents. West Ham's inherent failings became painfully obvious as they created very little of note in the final third.

Critical Matches Lie Ahead

Ultimately, Wolves looked like the sole side capable of increasing the tally, and West Ham will be relieved the damage was not more severe. Attention now shifts to a pivotal Tuesday fixture at home to relegation-threatened Nottingham Forest, a match vital in the battle for top-flight safety. Based on this evidence, the Hammers have every reason to be afraid.