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This latest setback marks a further humiliating episode in a troubled season for West Ham, amplifying serious questions about the future of their manager. The Hammers became the first team to succumb to Wolves this term, allowing the West Midlands outfit to increase their points tally and lift their hopes of evading the tag in the record books as the worst team in Premier League annals.

Commanding Opening Display Seals Historic Triumph

Fewer than the first four minutes into the new year, Wolves managed to show signs of finding some resolution. The lively Hwang Hee-chan provided a glimpse of his revitalised abilities with a long run before turning provider following neat combination play with Mateus Mané. The resulting pull-back found an unmarked Jhon Arias, who tapped in from point-blank range to give Wolves a lead at Molineux for the first time since October. Vibrancy was evident equally on the field and in the terraces, a rarity for most of the term.

Facing a side terribly short on confidence and deprived of creative player Lucas Paquetá due to injury, this represented the home side's best opportunity for a victory this season. Initially confused by taking the lead, Wolves opted to protect it fiercely, dropping deep with all players behind the ball from an early stage.

Compliant Opponents Compound West Ham's Miseries

West Ham were accommodating visitors, adding to their own demise. First, ex- Wolves captain Max Kilman was unable to make a routine clearance from a cross, allowing Mané to intervene, only to be fouled by Soungoutou Magassa in the box. The teenage midfielder, once of Rochdale, was proving the most influential man on the pitch. Hwang stepped up to convert the subsequent spot-kick, doubling the lead. Ironic chants of "We're going to win the league" rang around Molineux.

Short on belief and ideas, West Ham drifted away from the contest despite dominating possession, managing just a solitary shot in the opening period.

The visitors' frustrations deepened just prior to halftime. The fearless Mané, a youngster among nervous senior players, spun beautifully, cut in from the left flank, and fired a low effort into the far corner from outside the box for his first senior goal. At last, the home supporters could enjoy themselves.

Fruitless Second Period Response

With little to lose, coach Nuno made a two substitution at half-time and switched to a offensive 3-4-3 shape. Yet, star attacker Jarrod Bowen remained muted, and even introduction of Crysencio Summerville failed to provide the necessary threat.

A lingering feeling of nervousness still affected Wolves' judgment, unsure whether to clear the ball long or build from the back. However, they need not have been concerned against such meek resistance. West Ham's inherent deficiencies became painfully apparent as they created nothing of substance in the final third.

Critical Matches On the Horizon

In the end, Wolves were the only side likely of adding to the tally, and West Ham will be thankful the damage was not more severe. Focus now turns to a pivotal midweek 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 very worried.