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This latest defeat represents another embarrassing chapter in a torrid season for West Ham, increasing major questions about the prospects of their manager. The London club had the misfortune of becoming the first team to succumb to Wolves this term, allowing the Midlands outfit to increase their points tally and boost their hopes of evading the tag in the record books as the worst team in Premier League annals.

Dominant Opening Display Secures Long-Awaited Victory

Within four minutes of the new year, Wolves managed to give the impression of discovering some resolution. The energetic Hwang Hee-chan offered a taste of his rejuvenated abilities with a long run before laying on an assist thanks to neat combination play with Mateus Mané. His cut-back found an unmarked Jhon Arias, who slid home from close range to give Wolves a home lead for the first time since October. Energy was evident equally on the field and in the stands, a sight for much of the season.

Facing a side terribly out of form and missing creative player Lucas Paquetá due to injury, this was the hosts' best opportunity for a win this season. At first confused by being ahead, Wolves chose to protect it doggedly, dropping deep with all players behind the ball from an early stage.

Compliant Guests Add to West Ham's Problems

West Ham were accommodating guests, contributing to their own demise. First, ex- Wolves captain Max Kilman failed to make a routine clearance from a cross, letting Mané to intervene, before being fouled by Soungoutou Magassa in the penalty area. The 18-year-old player, once of Rochdale, was proving the most influential figure on the field. Hwang stepped up to score the resulting spot-kick, doubling the advantage. Tongue-in-cheek chants of "We're going to win the league" echoed around Molineux.

Short on confidence and inspiration, West Ham were drifting away from the game even with controlling the ball, registering just a single attempt in the opening period.

The away side's woes were compounded shortly before halftime. The fearless Mané, a youth among trepidatious adults, spun beautifully, cut in from the left, and fired a low effort into the bottom corner from 18 yards for his maiden senior goal. Finally, the Wolves supporters were enjoying themselves.

Ineffective Second-Half Comeback Attempt

With nothing to lose, coach Nuno introduced a double substitution at the interval and switched to a offensive 3-4-3 formation. Yet, key forward Jarrod Bowen was muted, and even introduction of Crysencio Summerville did not generate the necessary threat.

A persistent sense of anxiety still clouded Wolves' decision-making, uncertain whether to hoof the ball to safety or play out patiently. However, they need not have worried against such meek opponents. West Ham's inherent failings were painfully obvious as they produced nothing of substance in the attacking areas.

Crucial Matches Lie Ahead

In the end, Wolves were the sole side likely of increasing the scoreline, and West Ham will be relieved the embarrassment was not greater. Attention now shifts to a pivotal Tuesday encounter at home to relegation-threatened Nottingham Forest, a match essential in the fight for top-flight survival. On this showing, the Hammers should have cause to be very worried.