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This setback marks a further humiliating episode in an troubled season for West Ham, increasing serious doubts about the future of their manager. The London club became the initial team to succumb to Wolves this term, allowing the West Midlands team to increase their points tally and boost their aspirations of avoiding a place in the history books as the worst team in Premier League history.

Dominant Opening Display Seals Historic Triumph

Fewer than the first four minutes into the new year, Wolves were able to give the impression of finding some confidence. The lively Hwang Hee-chan offered a taste of his rejuvenated abilities with a lengthy run before laying on an assist following sharp combination play with Mateus Mané. The resulting cut-back found an untracked Jhon Arias, who tapped in from close range to give Wolves a home lead for the first time since early October. Vibrancy could be felt both on the pitch and in the terraces, a sight for most of the season.

Facing a side terribly out of form and missing creative talent Lucas Paquetá due to injury, this represented the hosts' best chance for a win to date. Initially confused by being ahead, Wolves opted to protect it fiercely, falling back with all players behind the ball from an early stage.

Generous Guests Add to West Ham's Problems

West Ham were generous visitors, contributing to their own downfall. First, ex- Wolves captain Max Kilman failed to make a routine clearance from a cross, allowing Mané to intervene, before being brought down by Soungoutou Magassa in the box. The teenage midfielder, formerly of Rochdale, was proving the key figure on the field. Hwang stepped up to score the resulting spot-kick, extending the advantage. Ironic chants of "We will win the league" rang around Molineux.

Short on belief and inspiration, West Ham drifted out of the game despite controlling the ball, registering just a single attempt in the first half.

The away side's frustrations were compounded just prior to halftime. The fearless Mané, a youth among trepidatious senior players, turned beautifully, drove infield from the left, and unleashed a low shot into the bottom corner from 18 yards for his maiden senior goal. At last, the home supporters were enjoying themselves.

Fruitless Second Period Response

With nothing to lose, manager Nuno made a double substitution at half-time and switched to a more attacking 3-4-3 formation. However, key forward Jarrod Bowen was 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 hoof the ball to safety or play out from the back. However, they need not have worried against such passive resistance. West Ham's own deficiencies became increasingly obvious as they created nothing of note in the final third.

Critical Fixtures Lie Ahead

In the end, Wolves looked like the only side capable of increasing the scoreline, and West Ham will be thankful the embarrassment was not greater. Focus now shifts to a critical Tuesday fixture at home to 17th-placed Nottingham Forest, a match essential in the fight for Premier League survival. Based on this evidence, the Hammers have cause to be very worried.