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This latest setback marks one more humiliating episode in a troubled season for West Ham, raising serious questions about the prospects of their manager. The Hammers became the initial team to succumb to Wolves in this campaign, allowing the West Midlands outfit to increase their points tally and boost their aspirations of evading a place in the history books as the worst team in Premier League annals.

Commanding First-Half Display Secures Long-Awaited Victory

Fewer than four minutes of the new year, Wolves managed to demonstrate of discovering some confidence. The lively Hwang Hee-chan offered a taste of his rejuvenated form with a long run before laying on an assist thanks to neat combination play with Mateus Mané. His cut-back found an untracked Jhon Arias, who slid home from close range to give Wolves a lead at Molineux for the first time since October. Energy was evident equally on the field and in the terraces, a rarity for most of the term.

Facing a side terribly short on confidence and missing creative player Lucas Paquetá due to injury, this represented the hosts' best opportunity for a win to date. Initially confused by taking the lead, Wolves opted to protect it doggedly, dropping back with all players behind the ball early on.

Generous Guests Compound Their Own Miseries

West Ham proved generous visitors, adding to their own demise. First, ex- Wolves captain Max Kilman failed to execute a routine clearance from a cross, letting Mané to pounce, only to be brought down by Soungoutou Magassa inside the box. The teenage player, formerly of Rochdale, was proving the key figure on the pitch. Hwang took responsibility to score the resulting penalty, doubling the advantage. Tongue-in-cheek chants of "We're going to win the league" echoed around Molineux.

Lacking belief and inspiration, West Ham drifted away from the contest despite dominating possession, registering just a solitary attempt in the opening period.

The away side's woes were compounded just prior to halftime. The fearless Mané, a youth among trepidatious senior players, spun beautifully, drove infield from the left, and fired a low shot into the bottom corner from outside the box for his maiden senior goal. Finally, the Wolves fans could enjoy themselves.

Fruitless Second Period Comeback Attempt

With nothing to lose, manager Nuno made a double substitution at the interval and switched to a offensive 3-4-3 shape. Yet, key forward Jarrod Bowen was quiet, and the introduction of Crysencio Summerville failed to generate the necessary threat.

A lingering sense of anxiety still affected Wolves' judgment, unsure whether to hoof the ball long or build from the back. However, they had no need to worried against such passive opponents. West Ham's own failings became increasingly apparent as they created nothing of substance in the final third.

Crucial Fixtures On the Horizon

Ultimately, Wolves were the only side capable of adding to the tally, and West Ham will be relieved the embarrassment was not more severe. Attention now turns to a critical Tuesday encounter at home to 17th-placed Nottingham Forest, a match vital in the battle for top-flight survival. Based on this evidence, West Ham have every reason to be afraid.