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This setback marks a further demoralizing episode in a troubled season for West Ham, increasing major doubts about the prospects of their manager. The London club had the misfortune of becoming the first team to succumb to Wolves in this campaign, enabling the Midlands side to double their league points and lift their aspirations of evading the tag in the history books as the worst team in Premier League history.

Commanding First-Half Display Seals Historic Triumph

Fewer than the first four minutes of the new year, Wolves were able to demonstrate of finding much-needed resolve. The lively Hwang Hee-chan offered a glimpse of his revitalised form with a long run before laying on an assist thanks to neat link-up 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 early October. Energy was evident equally on the pitch and in the stands, a sight for much of the term.

Facing a side terribly short on confidence and deprived of creative player Lucas Paquetá due to injury, this represented the home side's clearest chance for a win to date. At first unnerved by being ahead, Wolves opted to defend it fiercely, falling back with all men behind the ball early on.

Compliant Opponents Compound Their Own Problems

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 penalty area. The 18-year-old midfielder, formerly of Rochdale, emerged as the key figure on the field. Hwang took responsibility to convert the resulting penalty, extending the lead. Ironic chants of "We're going to win the league" rang around Molineux.

Lacking belief and ideas, West Ham were drifting away from the contest even with controlling possession, registering just a solitary shot in the opening period.

The visitors' frustrations were compounded just prior to halftime. The fearless Mané, a youngster among nervous senior players, spun beautifully, drove infield from the left, and fired a low effort into the bottom corner from outside the box for his maiden senior goal. Finally, the home supporters could enjoy themselves.

Fruitless Second Period Response

With little to lose, manager Nuno introduced a two change at the interval and switched to a offensive 3-4-3 shape. However, key forward Jarrod Bowen remained muted, and even introduction of Crysencio Summerville did not provide the required spark.

A persistent feeling of nervousness continued to clouded Wolves' decision-making, uncertain whether to hoof the ball to safety or build from the back. However, they need not have worried against such passive resistance. West Ham's inherent deficiencies were increasingly obvious as they created very little of substance in the final third.

Critical Matches Lie Ahead

In the end, Wolves were the only side likely of increasing the tally, and West Ham will be relieved the embarrassment was not greater. Focus now shifts to a pivotal midweek encounter at home to 17th-placed Nottingham Forest, a match vital in the battle for Premier League safety. On this evidence, the Hammers should have every reason to be afraid.