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This latest setback marks one more demoralizing episode in an troubled season for West Ham, raising major questions about the future of their manager. The London club had the misfortune of becoming the first team to lose to Wolves this term, allowing the West Midlands team to double their points tally and boost their aspirations of evading the tag in the history books as the least successful team in Premier League history.

Dominant Opening Display Seals Historic Win

Fewer than the first four minutes of the new year, Wolves were able to give the impression of discovering much-needed confidence. The energetic Hwang Hee-chan provided a taste of his rejuvenated abilities with a lengthy run before turning provider following sharp link-up 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 early October. Vibrancy could be felt equally on the field and in the stands, a rarity for much of the season.

Facing a side woefully out of form and missing creative player Lucas Paquetá due to injury, this was the home side's clearest chance for a victory this season. At first unnerved by taking the lead, Wolves chose to defend it doggedly, falling back with all players behind the ball early on.

Generous Guests Add to West Ham's Miseries

West Ham were generous guests, contributing to their own downfall. First, ex- Wolves captain Max Kilman failed to make a simple clearance from a cross, letting Mané to pounce, before being brought down by Soungoutou Magassa in the box. The teenage player, formerly of Rochdale, emerged as the most influential figure on the pitch. Hwang took responsibility to score the subsequent spot-kick, extending the advantage. Ironic chants of "We're going to win the league" rang around Molineux.

Short on confidence and ideas, West Ham drifted out of the game even with dominating possession, managing just a single shot in the opening period.

The visitors' woes were compounded shortly before halftime. The confident Mané, a youth among trepidatious adults, spun beautifully, cut in from the left flank, and fired a low effort into the far corner from 18 yards for his first senior goal. At last, the home supporters were enjoying themselves.

Ineffective Second-Half Response

With little to lose, coach Nuno introduced a two change at the interval and switched to a offensive 3-4-3 shape. However, key attacker Jarrod Bowen was quiet, and the introduction of Crysencio Summerville did not generate the required threat.

A persistent feeling of nervousness still affected Wolves' judgment, unsure whether to hoof the ball long or build from the back. But, they need not have been concerned against such meek opponents. West Ham's inherent deficiencies became painfully apparent as they produced very little of note in the attacking areas.

Crucial Matches On the Horizon

In the end, Wolves looked like the sole side capable of increasing the tally, and West Ham will be thankful the embarrassment was not greater. Attention now shifts to a pivotal midweek fixture at home to 17th-placed Nottingham Forest, a match vital in the battle for top-flight survival. Based on this evidence, the Hammers have every reason to be afraid.