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This latest setback marks one more demoralizing episode in an torrid season for West Ham, amplifying major doubts about the prospects of their manager. The London club became the initial team to fall to Wolves in this campaign, enabling the Midlands side to double their points tally and boost their aspirations of evading the tag in the record books as the worst team in Premier League history.

Dominant Opening Performance Secures Long-Awaited Win

Within four minutes into the new year, Wolves were able to demonstrate of discovering much-needed resolve. The energetic Hwang Hee-chan offered a glimpse of his rejuvenated form with a long run before turning provider thanks to sharp combination play with Mateus Mané. His pull-back found an unmarked Jhon Arias, who slid home from point-blank range to give Wolves a home lead for the first time since October. Vibrancy was evident equally on the pitch and in the terraces, a rarity for most of the term.

Facing a side terribly short on confidence and missing key player Lucas Paquetá through injury, this was the hosts' clearest chance for a win this season. At first confused by taking the lead, Wolves opted to defend it doggedly, dropping deep with eleven men behind the ball from an early stage.

Generous Guests Add to Their Own Miseries

West Ham were accommodating guests, adding to their own demise. First, ex- Wolves captain Max Kilman failed to make a simple clearance from a cross, letting Mané to intervene, before being fouled by Soungoutou Magassa inside the box. The 18-year-old midfielder, once of Rochdale, was proving the most influential figure on the field. Hwang stepped up to convert the subsequent spot-kick, extending the advantage. Ironic chants of "We will win the league" rang around Molineux.

Short on belief and ideas, West Ham drifted out of the contest despite dominating the ball, managing just a single shot in the opening period.

The visitors' woes were compounded shortly before halftime. The fearless Mané, a youth among trepidatious senior players, spun exquisitely, cut in from the left flank, and unleashed a low shot into the far corner from outside the box for his first senior goal. At last, the home supporters could enjoy themselves.

Ineffective Second-Half Comeback Attempt

With little to lose, coach Nuno made a double change at half-time and switched to a more attacking 3-4-3 shape. However, star forward Jarrod Bowen remained muted, and the introduction of Crysencio Summerville did not generate the required spark.

A persistent sense of nervousness continued to affected Wolves' decision-making, uncertain whether to hoof the ball long or play out from the back. However, they had no need to worried against such meek resistance. West Ham's own deficiencies became painfully obvious as they created very little of note in the final third.

Crucial Matches Lie Ahead

Ultimately, Wolves looked like the only side likely of increasing the tally, and West Ham will be relieved the embarrassment was not greater. Attention now turns to a critical Tuesday encounter at home to 17th-placed Nottingham Forest, a match essential in the fight for top-flight safety. On this evidence, West Ham have cause to be very worried.