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This setback marks a further demoralizing episode in an torrid season for West Ham, raising major questions about the future of their manager. The Hammers became the first team to lose to Wolves this term, allowing the West Midlands side to double their league points and lift their aspirations of evading the tag in the record books as the least successful team in Premier League history.

Commanding Opening Display Seals Historic Triumph

Fewer than the first four minutes into the new year, Wolves managed to give the impression of discovering some confidence. 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. His cut-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. Vibrancy was evident equally on the field and in the stands, a sight for most of the season.

Facing a side terribly out of form and deprived of creative player Lucas Paquetá through injury, this represented the hosts' clearest chance for a victory to date. Initially unnerved by taking the lead, Wolves chose to defend it doggedly, falling back with all men behind the ball early on.

Compliant Opponents Add to Their Own Miseries

West Ham proved generous visitors, adding to their own demise. First, former Wolves captain Max Kilman was unable to execute a simple clearance from a cross, letting Mané to pounce, before being brought down by Soungoutou Magassa inside the box. The 18-year-old player, formerly of Rochdale, was proving the most influential man 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 even with controlling the ball, managing just a single attempt in the first half.

The visitors' frustrations deepened just prior to halftime. The confident Mané, a youth among nervous senior players, turned beautifully, cut in from the left flank, and fired a driven shot into the bottom corner from 18 yards for his maiden senior goal. At last, the home fans could enjoy themselves.

Fruitless Second Period Comeback Attempt

With nothing to lose, coach Nuno made a two change at the interval and switched to a offensive 3-4-3 formation. However, key forward Jarrod Bowen remained quiet, and even introduction of Crysencio Summerville failed to generate the required spark.

A persistent sense of nervousness continued to clouded Wolves' judgment, unsure whether to clear the ball to safety or play out from the back. However, they need not have been concerned against such passive resistance. West Ham's own failings became increasingly apparent as they created very little of note in the attacking areas.

Critical Fixtures Lie Ahead

Ultimately, Wolves looked like the only side likely of adding to the scoreline, and West Ham will be thankful the damage was not greater. Attention now shifts to a pivotal Tuesday encounter at home to 17th-placed Nottingham Forest, a match essential in the battle for Premier League survival. On this evidence, the Hammers should have every reason to be very worried.