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This latest loss constitutes another humiliating episode in a torrid season for West Ham, amplifying significant doubts about the prospects of their manager. The Hammers had the misfortune of becoming the initial team to succumb to Wolves in this campaign, allowing the West Midlands side to double their league points and lift their hopes of evading the tag in the history books as the worst team in Premier League annals.

Dominant First-Half Display Seals Historic Triumph

Within the first four minutes into the new year, Wolves were able to give the impression of discovering much-needed resolve. The energetic Hwang Hee-chan provided a taste of his revitalised form with a long run before turning provider thanks to sharp link-up play with Mateus Mané. The resulting cut-back found an unmarked Jhon Arias, who slid home from close range to give Wolves a lead at Molineux for the first time since early October. Energy was evident both on the field and in the terraces, a sight for most of the season.

Facing a team woefully out of form and deprived of creative talent Lucas Paquetá due to injury, this represented the home side's clearest opportunity for a win to date. At first unnerved by being ahead, Wolves chose to defend it doggedly, dropping back with all players behind the ball from an early stage.

Generous Guests Compound 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, allowing Mané to pounce, before being brought down by Soungoutou Magassa inside the penalty area. The teenage player, formerly of Rochdale, emerged as the most influential man on the field. Hwang took responsibility to convert the resulting spot-kick, doubling the lead. Tongue-in-cheek chants of "We will win the league" rang around Molineux.

Lacking belief and inspiration, West Ham were drifting away from the contest even with dominating possession, managing just a single attempt in the opening period.

The visitors' frustrations were compounded just prior to halftime. The confident Mané, a youth among nervous senior players, spun exquisitely, cut in from the left flank, and fired a driven shot into the far corner from outside the box for his first senior goal. Finally, the home fans could enjoy themselves.

Ineffective Second Period Comeback Attempt

With little to lose, coach Nuno made a two change at half-time and switched to a more attacking 3-4-3 formation. Yet, key attacker Jarrod Bowen remained muted, and even introduction of Crysencio Summerville did not provide the required threat.

A lingering feeling of nervousness still affected Wolves' judgment, uncertain whether to clear the ball long or build patiently. However, they had no need to worried against such meek resistance. West Ham's inherent failings were painfully apparent as they created nothing of substance in the final third.

Crucial 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 more severe. 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, West Ham have every reason to be afraid.