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This defeat constitutes another embarrassing chapter in a torrid season for West Ham, raising major questions about the future of their manager. The Hammers had the misfortune of becoming the first team to fall to Wolves this term, allowing the Midlands outfit to double their league points and lift their aspirations of evading a place in the history books as the worst team in Premier League history.

Dominant First-Half Display Secures Long-Awaited Win

Fewer than four minutes of the new year, Wolves were able to give the impression of discovering much-needed resolve. The lively Hwang Hee-chan provided a taste of his revitalised abilities with a long run before laying on an assist following neat link-up play with Mateus Mané. His pull-back found an untracked Jhon Arias, who slid home from close range to give Wolves a home lead for the first time since October. Energy could be felt equally on the pitch and in the terraces, a rarity for most of the season.

Facing a side woefully short on confidence and missing creative talent Lucas Paquetá through injury, this was the home side's clearest chance for a win this season. At first confused by taking the lead, Wolves chose to defend it doggedly, dropping back with eleven players behind the ball early on.

Compliant Guests Compound Their Own Problems

West Ham proved accommodating guests, adding to their own downfall. First, former Wolves captain Max Kilman was unable to make a simple clearance from a cross, letting Mané to pounce, only to be fouled by Soungoutou Magassa in the penalty area. The 18-year-old midfielder, once of Rochdale, was proving the key man on the pitch. Hwang took responsibility to score the resulting penalty, extending the lead. Tongue-in-cheek chants of "We will win the league" echoed around Molineux.

Short on belief and ideas, West Ham were drifting out of the contest even with dominating possession, managing just a single attempt in the first half.

The away side's frustrations deepened just prior to halftime. The confident Mané, a youth among trepidatious adults, spun exquisitely, drove infield from the left flank, and unleashed a driven effort into the far corner from 18 yards for his maiden professional goal. At last, the home supporters were enjoying themselves.

Fruitless Second Period Comeback Attempt

With nothing to lose, manager Nuno made a double change at half-time and switched to a more attacking 3-4-3 shape. Yet, key attacker Jarrod Bowen remained muted, and the introduction of Crysencio Summerville failed to generate the required threat.

A persistent feeling of nervousness continued to affected Wolves' decision-making, unsure whether to hoof the ball to safety or build from the back. However, they had no need to been concerned against such meek opponents. West Ham's own deficiencies became painfully apparent as they created nothing of substance in the attacking areas.

Critical Fixtures Lie Ahead

In the end, Wolves looked like the sole side capable of increasing the scoreline, and West Ham will be relieved the embarrassment was not greater. Attention now shifts to a pivotal Tuesday fixture at home to relegation-threatened Nottingham Forest, a match essential in the fight for top-flight survival. Based on this showing, the Hammers should have every reason to be very worried.