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This defeat constitutes one more humiliating episode in an difficult season for West Ham, raising serious doubts about the future of their manager. The London club became the first team to succumb to Wolves this term, allowing the Midlands side to increase their points tally and boost their aspirations of evading the tag in the record books as the worst team in Premier League history.

Dominant Opening Performance Seals Historic Victory

Fewer than the first four minutes into the new year, Wolves were able to give the impression of finding much-needed resolve. The energetic Hwang Hee-chan offered a glimpse of his rejuvenated form with a long run before turning provider thanks to sharp combination play with Mateus Mané. The resulting cut-back found an unmarked Jhon Arias, who slid home from point-blank range to give Wolves a lead at Molineux for the first time since early October. Energy could be felt equally on the field and in the stands, a rarity for much of the term.

Facing a team terribly out of form and missing creative talent Lucas Paquetá through injury, this was the hosts' best chance for a victory this season. Initially confused by being ahead, Wolves opted to defend it doggedly, dropping deep with eleven players behind the ball from an early stage.

Compliant Guests Add to West Ham's Problems

West Ham were accommodating visitors, adding to their own downfall. First, former Wolves captain Max Kilman was unable to execute a simple clearance from a cross, letting Mané to intervene, before being brought down by Soungoutou Magassa inside the penalty area. The 18-year-old midfielder, once of Rochdale, emerged as the most influential man on the field. Hwang stepped up to score the subsequent spot-kick, doubling the lead. Tongue-in-cheek chants of "We're going to win the league" rang around Molineux.

Short on confidence and ideas, West Ham drifted away from the game despite controlling possession, registering just a solitary shot in the first half.

The visitors' frustrations were compounded shortly before halftime. The confident Mané, a youth among trepidatious senior players, turned exquisitely, drove infield from the left flank, and fired a low effort into the bottom corner from outside the box for his first senior goal. At last, the home fans could enjoy themselves.

Fruitless Second Period Comeback Attempt

With little to lose, manager Nuno introduced a two change at the interval and switched to a more attacking 3-4-3 formation. Yet, key forward Jarrod Bowen was muted, and even introduction of Crysencio Summerville did not provide the necessary threat.

A persistent feeling of anxiety still clouded Wolves' decision-making, unsure whether to clear the ball long or play out from the back. But, they need not have worried against such passive opponents. West Ham's inherent deficiencies became painfully obvious as they produced very little of substance in the final third.

Crucial Matches On the Horizon

Ultimately, Wolves were the only side likely of increasing the tally, and West Ham will be relieved the embarrassment was not greater. Attention now turns to a pivotal midweek encounter at home to 17th-placed Nottingham Forest, a match essential in the battle for top-flight survival. Based on this showing, the Hammers should have cause to be afraid.