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This latest defeat marks another embarrassing chapter in a troubled season for West Ham, raising significant doubts about the prospects of their manager. The London club had the misfortune of becoming the initial team to succumb to Wolves this term, allowing the Midlands team to increase their points tally and boost their aspirations of avoiding the tag in the record books as the worst team in Premier League history.

Dominant Opening Performance Secures Historic Win

Fewer than the first four minutes of the new year, Wolves were able to show signs of finding some resolve. The energetic Hwang Hee-chan provided a glimpse of his rejuvenated form with a long run before laying on an assist following sharp combination play with Mateus Mané. The resulting pull-back found an unmarked Jhon Arias, who slid home from point-blank range to give Wolves a lead at Molineux for the first time since October. Energy could be felt equally on the field and in the terraces, a sight for much of the season.

Facing a team woefully out of form and missing key talent Lucas Paquetá through injury, this was the hosts' clearest opportunity for a victory this season. At first confused by being ahead, Wolves chose to protect it fiercely, falling back with eleven men behind the ball from an early stage.

Compliant Guests Add to Their Own Miseries

West Ham were accommodating guests, adding to their own demise. First, former Wolves captain Max Kilman was unable to make a simple clearance from a cross, allowing Mané to pounce, before being brought down by Soungoutou Magassa inside the box. The teenage midfielder, formerly of Rochdale, emerged as the most influential figure on the field. Hwang took responsibility to score the resulting penalty, extending the lead. Ironic chants of "We will win the league" echoed around Molineux.

Short on belief and ideas, West Ham drifted away from the contest despite controlling possession, managing just a single shot in the first half.

The away side's woes deepened just prior to halftime. The fearless Mané, a youth among nervous adults, turned exquisitely, drove infield from the left flank, and fired a driven effort into the bottom corner from 18 yards for his first professional goal. Finally, the home supporters were enjoying themselves.

Ineffective Second-Half Comeback Attempt

With nothing to lose, coach Nuno introduced a double substitution at the interval and switched to a offensive 3-4-3 shape. Yet, star attacker Jarrod Bowen was muted, and the introduction of Crysencio Summerville failed to provide the required spark.

A lingering sense of anxiety still clouded Wolves' judgment, uncertain whether to clear the ball long or build from the back. However, they had no need to been concerned against such meek resistance. West Ham's inherent deficiencies were painfully obvious as they created very little of substance in the final third.

Critical Fixtures Lie Ahead

In the end, Wolves looked like the sole side capable of increasing the tally, and West Ham will be thankful the damage was not greater. Attention now turns to a critical Tuesday fixture at home to 17th-placed Nottingham Forest, a match vital in the battle for Premier League survival. On this evidence, the Hammers should have every reason to be afraid.