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This setback marks another embarrassing episode in an troubled season for West Ham, increasing major questions about the prospects of their manager. The Hammers had the misfortune of becoming the first team to fall to Wolves in this campaign, allowing the Midlands team to double their points tally and lift their hopes of avoiding a place in the record books as the worst team in Premier League annals.

Dominant Opening Display Secures Long-Awaited Win

Fewer than four minutes into the new year, Wolves managed to show signs of discovering much-needed confidence. The energetic Hwang Hee-chan provided a glimpse of his rejuvenated form with a lengthy run before laying on an assist following neat combination play with Mateus Mané. His pull-back found an untracked Jhon Arias, who tapped in from point-blank range to give Wolves a home lead for the first time since October. Vibrancy could be felt equally on the field and in the stands, a sight for most of the season.

Facing a team woefully short on confidence and deprived of key player Lucas Paquetá through injury, this was the hosts' clearest chance for a win this season. At first unnerved by taking the lead, Wolves chose to protect it fiercely, dropping deep with all men behind the ball early on.

Generous Guests Compound Their Own Problems

West Ham proved accommodating guests, contributing to their own downfall. First, former Wolves captain Max Kilman failed to make a simple clearance from a cross, allowing Mané to intervene, only to be brought down by Soungoutou Magassa inside the penalty area. The 18-year-old player, once of Rochdale, was proving the key man on the pitch. Hwang took responsibility to convert the subsequent spot-kick, doubling the lead. Tongue-in-cheek chants of "We will win the league" echoed around Molineux.

Short on confidence and ideas, West Ham drifted out of the contest despite controlling the ball, registering just a single shot in the opening period.

The away side's woes were compounded just prior to halftime. The fearless Mané, a youth among trepidatious senior players, turned exquisitely, drove infield from the left flank, and unleashed a driven shot into the bottom corner from outside the box for his maiden senior goal. Finally, the home supporters were enjoying themselves.

Fruitless Second Period Response

With little to lose, coach Nuno made a two substitution at the interval and altered to a more attacking 3-4-3 formation. However, star attacker Jarrod Bowen remained muted, and even introduction of Crysencio Summerville failed to provide the required threat.

A lingering sense of anxiety still affected Wolves' judgment, unsure whether to clear the ball long or play out patiently. But, they need not have worried against such meek resistance. West Ham's inherent deficiencies were painfully apparent as they created nothing of note in the attacking areas.

Crucial Matches On the Horizon

Ultimately, Wolves looked like the sole side likely of increasing the scoreline, and West Ham will be thankful the embarrassment was not more severe. Attention now shifts to a pivotal midweek encounter at home to 17th-placed Nottingham Forest, a match vital in the fight for top-flight survival. On this evidence, West Ham should have cause to be afraid.