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This loss represents one more embarrassing episode in an troubled season for West Ham, raising serious questions about the prospects of their manager. The Hammers had the misfortune of becoming the initial team to fall to Wolves this term, allowing the Midlands team to double their points tally and lift their aspirations of evading the tag in the history books as the worst team in Premier League annals.

Commanding Opening Display Seals Historic Victory

Within four minutes of the new year, Wolves managed to give the impression of finding some resolution. The lively Hwang Hee-chan provided a taste of his rejuvenated form with a long run before laying on an assist following neat combination play with Mateus Mané. His cut-back found an untracked Jhon Arias, who tapped in from point-blank range to give Wolves a home lead for the first time since October. Vibrancy was evident both on the pitch and in the stands, a rarity for much of the season.

Facing a side terribly short on confidence and deprived of key player Lucas Paquetá through injury, this was the hosts' clearest chance for a win to date. At first unnerved by being ahead, Wolves chose to defend it doggedly, dropping back with all players behind the ball early on.

Generous Guests Compound Their Own Problems

West Ham were accommodating guests, adding to their own demise. First, former Wolves captain Max Kilman was unable to execute a routine clearance from a cross, allowing Mané to intervene, only to be fouled by Soungoutou Magassa inside the box. The teenage midfielder, formerly of Rochdale, was proving the key man on the pitch. 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.

Lacking confidence and ideas, West Ham were drifting out of the contest despite dominating the ball, managing just a solitary attempt in the opening period.

The visitors' woes deepened shortly before halftime. The fearless Mané, a youth among nervous adults, turned exquisitely, drove infield from the left flank, and fired a low shot into the far corner from outside the box for his first senior goal. At last, the Wolves supporters could enjoy themselves.

Ineffective Second Period Response

With little to lose, coach Nuno made a double change at half-time and switched to a more attacking 3-4-3 formation. Yet, star attacker Jarrod Bowen was quiet, and even introduction of Crysencio Summerville did not generate the necessary threat.

A persistent feeling of anxiety continued to clouded Wolves' judgment, unsure whether to hoof the ball long or play out patiently. However, they had no need to been concerned against such meek resistance. West Ham's inherent deficiencies were increasingly obvious as they produced very little of substance in the attacking areas.

Critical Fixtures On the Horizon

In the end, Wolves looked like the sole side likely of increasing the tally, and West Ham will be relieved the damage was not more severe. Focus now turns to a pivotal midweek fixture at home to 17th-placed Nottingham Forest, a match essential in the battle for Premier League safety. On this evidence, the Hammers should have cause to be very worried.