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This setback constitutes one more demoralizing episode in an difficult season for West Ham, raising serious doubts about the prospects of their manager. The Hammers became the first team to fall to Wolves this term, enabling the Midlands side to double their points tally and lift their aspirations of avoiding the tag in the record books as the worst team in Premier League history.

Dominant Opening Display Seals Long-Awaited Win

Within the first four minutes into the new year, Wolves were able to demonstrate of discovering much-needed resolve. The energetic Hwang Hee-chan offered a taste of his rejuvenated form with a lengthy run before turning provider following sharp combination play with Mateus Mané. The resulting pull-back found an untracked 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 field and in the terraces, a sight for much of the term.

Facing a team terribly short on confidence and deprived of key player Lucas Paquetá through injury, this represented the hosts' clearest chance for a win to date. Initially unnerved by being ahead, Wolves opted to defend it doggedly, dropping deep with eleven men behind the ball from an early stage.

Generous Guests Compound Their Own Miseries

West Ham proved generous guests, contributing to their own downfall. First, ex- Wolves captain Max Kilman failed to execute a simple clearance from a cross, letting Mané to intervene, only to be fouled by Soungoutou Magassa in the penalty area. The teenage player, formerly of Rochdale, was proving the key man on the pitch. Hwang stepped up to convert the resulting spot-kick, extending the advantage. Tongue-in-cheek chants of "We're going to win the league" echoed around Molineux.

Short on confidence and inspiration, West Ham were drifting out of the game even with dominating the ball, registering just a solitary attempt in the opening period.

The away side's woes deepened just prior to halftime. The confident Mané, a youngster among trepidatious senior players, turned beautifully, cut in from the left flank, and unleashed a low effort into the bottom corner from 18 yards for his first professional goal. Finally, the home fans could enjoy themselves.

Fruitless Second Period Comeback Attempt

With little to lose, coach Nuno made a two substitution at half-time and switched to a more attacking 3-4-3 shape. Yet, star attacker Jarrod Bowen was quiet, and even introduction of Crysencio Summerville failed to generate the necessary spark.

A lingering sense of nervousness continued to clouded Wolves' judgment, unsure whether to clear the ball long or play out patiently. However, they need not have worried against such meek resistance. West Ham's own failings became painfully obvious as they created nothing of note in the final third.

Crucial Matches On the Horizon

In the end, Wolves were the only side capable of increasing the scoreline, and West Ham will be thankful the embarrassment was not greater. Focus now turns to a critical midweek encounter at home to relegation-threatened Nottingham Forest, a match essential in the fight for top-flight safety. On this showing, West Ham have cause to be very worried.