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This defeat marks one more demoralizing episode in a torrid season for West Ham, raising significant doubts about the prospects of their manager. The Hammers had the misfortune of becoming the initial team to lose to Wolves this term, allowing the Midlands team to double their league points and lift their aspirations of avoiding the tag in the history books as the worst team in Premier League history.

Dominant Opening Performance Seals Long-Awaited Triumph

Within the first four minutes into the new year, Wolves managed to show signs of finding some resolution. 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 untracked Jhon Arias, who slid home from point-blank range to give Wolves a home lead for the first time since October. Energy could be felt equally on the field and in the terraces, a rarity for most of the season.

Facing a team terribly out of form and deprived of creative player Lucas Paquetá through injury, this was the hosts' best chance for a victory this season. At first unnerved by taking the lead, Wolves opted to protect it doggedly, dropping back with eleven men behind the ball early on.

Compliant Guests Add to West Ham's Miseries

West Ham were accommodating guests, adding to their own downfall. First, ex- Wolves captain Max Kilman failed to execute a simple clearance from a cross, allowing Mané to pounce, before being brought down by Soungoutou Magassa inside the penalty area. The 18-year-old player, once of Rochdale, was proving the key figure on the field. Hwang stepped up to convert the resulting spot-kick, doubling the lead. Tongue-in-cheek chants of "We will win the league" rang around Molineux.

Short on belief and ideas, West Ham drifted out of the game despite controlling possession, managing just a single shot in the opening period.

The away side's woes deepened just prior to halftime. The fearless Mané, a youth among trepidatious senior players, spun beautifully, drove infield from the left flank, and unleashed a low effort into the far corner from outside the box for his first professional goal. Finally, the Wolves supporters were enjoying themselves.

Fruitless Second Period Response

With little to lose, manager Nuno made a double substitution at half-time and switched to a more attacking 3-4-3 shape. Yet, key forward Jarrod Bowen remained quiet, and even introduction of Crysencio Summerville did not provide the required spark.

A lingering sense of nervousness still clouded Wolves' judgment, unsure whether to clear the ball long or play out patiently. However, they need not have worried against such meek opponents. West Ham's own deficiencies became increasingly obvious as they produced nothing of substance in the attacking areas.

Crucial Matches On the Horizon

In the end, Wolves looked like the only side likely of adding to the tally, and West Ham will be thankful the embarrassment was not more severe. Attention now turns to a critical midweek fixture at home to relegation-threatened Nottingham Forest, a match essential in the fight for Premier League survival. Based on this showing, West Ham should have cause to be afraid.