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This setback marks a further demoralizing chapter in an torrid season for West Ham, increasing major questions about the future of their manager. The Hammers had the misfortune of becoming the first team to succumb to Wolves this term, enabling the West Midlands side to double their points tally and lift their aspirations of evading the tag in the history books as the worst team in Premier League annals.

Dominant First-Half Display Secures Historic Victory

Fewer than the first four minutes of the new year, Wolves managed to demonstrate of finding much-needed resolution. The lively Hwang Hee-chan offered a glimpse of his rejuvenated form with a long run before turning provider thanks to sharp link-up play with Mateus Mané. The resulting 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. Energy was evident both on the pitch and in the stands, a rarity for much of the term.

Facing a side woefully out of form and missing creative player Lucas Paquetá due to injury, this was the home side's clearest opportunity for a victory this season. Initially confused by being ahead, Wolves chose to defend it doggedly, falling back with eleven men behind the ball from an early stage.

Generous Opponents Add to Their Own Miseries

West Ham proved accommodating visitors, contributing to their own downfall. First, former Wolves captain Max Kilman failed to make a routine clearance from a cross, letting Mané to pounce, before being brought down by Soungoutou Magassa inside the box. The teenage midfielder, formerly of Rochdale, emerged as the key figure on the field. Hwang stepped up to score the resulting penalty, extending the advantage. Ironic chants of "We will win the league" rang around Molineux.

Short on belief and ideas, West Ham drifted away from the game despite dominating the ball, registering just a solitary attempt in the opening period.

The visitors' woes were compounded just prior to halftime. The fearless Mané, a youngster among trepidatious senior players, turned beautifully, drove infield from the left, and unleashed a driven effort into the far corner from outside the box for his maiden professional goal. Finally, the Wolves supporters could enjoy themselves.

Ineffective Second Period Response

With nothing to lose, manager Nuno made a double change at half-time and switched to a offensive 3-4-3 shape. However, key attacker Jarrod Bowen was quiet, and the introduction of Crysencio Summerville failed to provide the necessary threat.

A lingering feeling of nervousness still clouded Wolves' decision-making, uncertain whether to hoof the ball long or play out patiently. However, they need not have been concerned against such meek resistance. West Ham's own failings became increasingly apparent as they produced very little of substance in the final third.

Critical Matches On the Horizon

Ultimately, Wolves looked like the only side capable of adding to the scoreline, and West Ham will be thankful the damage was not greater. Attention now turns to a pivotal Tuesday encounter at home to 17th-placed Nottingham Forest, a match vital in the fight for Premier League survival. Based on this showing, West Ham have every reason to be very worried.