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This latest setback marks one more humiliating episode in an torrid season for West Ham, amplifying major questions about the prospects of their manager. The Hammers became the initial team to fall to Wolves this term, allowing the Midlands side to double their league points and boost their hopes of avoiding a place in the record books as the least successful team in Premier League history.

Dominant First-Half Display Secures Long-Awaited Victory

Within four minutes of the new year, Wolves were able to show signs of discovering some confidence. The lively Hwang Hee-chan provided a taste of his rejuvenated abilities with a lengthy run before turning provider following sharp link-up play with Mateus Mané. His 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. Energy could be felt equally on the pitch and in the terraces, a sight for most of the season.

Facing a team terribly short on confidence and deprived of key player Lucas Paquetá due to injury, this represented the home side's best chance for a win this season. Initially confused by taking the lead, Wolves opted to defend it doggedly, falling deep with eleven men behind the ball from an early stage.

Compliant Opponents Add to West Ham's Problems

West Ham were accommodating guests, contributing to their own demise. First, ex- Wolves captain Max Kilman was unable to make a routine clearance from a cross, letting Mané to intervene, before being brought down by Soungoutou Magassa inside the box. The teenage player, formerly of Rochdale, emerged as the most influential man on the pitch. Hwang stepped up to convert the subsequent spot-kick, doubling the advantage. Tongue-in-cheek chants of "We're going to win the league" echoed around Molineux.

Lacking confidence and inspiration, West Ham drifted away from the game despite dominating the ball, registering just a single attempt in the first half.

The away side's woes were compounded shortly before halftime. The fearless Mané, a youth among trepidatious adults, spun exquisitely, cut in from the left flank, and fired a driven effort into the bottom corner from 18 yards for his maiden professional goal. At last, the home fans could enjoy themselves.

Fruitless Second Period Comeback Attempt

With little to lose, manager Nuno introduced a double substitution at the interval and switched to a more attacking 3-4-3 shape. However, star attacker Jarrod Bowen was quiet, and even introduction of Crysencio Summerville failed to generate the required spark.

A persistent feeling of nervousness still clouded Wolves' judgment, unsure whether to clear the ball to safety or build from the back. But, they had no need to been concerned against such meek resistance. West Ham's own failings were painfully apparent as they created nothing of note in the final third.

Crucial Fixtures On the Horizon

Ultimately, Wolves were the sole side capable of adding to the scoreline, and West Ham will be relieved the damage was not greater. Focus now turns to a pivotal Tuesday fixture at home to 17th-placed Nottingham Forest, a match vital in the fight for top-flight survival. Based on this evidence, West Ham have cause to be afraid.