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This setback marks one more embarrassing episode in a torrid season for West Ham, raising major questions about the prospects of their manager. The Hammers had the misfortune of becoming the initial team to fall to Wolves in this campaign, allowing the Midlands side to double their league points and boost their aspirations of avoiding the tag in the record books as the worst team in Premier League history.

Commanding Opening Performance Secures Historic Win

Fewer than four minutes of the new year, Wolves were able to demonstrate of discovering much-needed resolution. The energetic Hwang Hee-chan provided a taste of his revitalised abilities with a long run before laying on an assist following sharp combination play with Mateus Mané. The resulting pull-back found an untracked Jhon Arias, who tapped in from close 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 sight for most of the term.

Facing a side terribly out of form and deprived of creative player Lucas Paquetá through injury, this represented the hosts' best opportunity for a victory this season. Initially confused by taking the lead, Wolves chose to defend it fiercely, dropping back with eleven men behind the ball from an early stage.

Compliant Opponents Add to West Ham's Miseries

West Ham were accommodating guests, contributing to their own downfall. First, ex- Wolves captain Max Kilman was unable to execute a simple clearance from a cross, letting Mané to intervene, only to be fouled by Soungoutou Magassa in the box. The 18-year-old midfielder, once of Rochdale, was proving the key man on the pitch. Hwang stepped up to convert the subsequent penalty, doubling the lead. Ironic chants of "We're going to win the league" rang around Molineux.

Short on belief and inspiration, West Ham drifted away from the game even with dominating possession, registering just a single shot in the opening period.

The visitors' frustrations were compounded just prior to halftime. The fearless Mané, a youngster among nervous senior players, turned exquisitely, cut in from the left flank, and fired a low effort into the bottom corner from outside the box for his first senior goal. Finally, the home supporters were enjoying themselves.

Fruitless Second-Half Comeback Attempt

With nothing to lose, manager Nuno introduced a double change at half-time and switched to a offensive 3-4-3 formation. However, star forward Jarrod Bowen was quiet, and even introduction of Crysencio Summerville failed to provide the necessary threat.

A lingering sense of nervousness continued to clouded Wolves' judgment, uncertain whether to hoof the ball long or play out patiently. But, they need not have worried against such passive resistance. West Ham's own failings became increasingly obvious as they created very little of substance in the attacking areas.

Critical Matches On the Horizon

In the end, Wolves looked like the sole side capable of adding to the scoreline, and West Ham will be relieved the embarrassment was not greater. Attention now shifts to a critical Tuesday fixture at home to 17th-placed Nottingham Forest, a match vital in the fight for top-flight survival. On this evidence, West Ham have cause to be very worried.