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This latest setback marks another embarrassing chapter in an troubled season for West Ham, increasing major doubts about the future of their manager. The Hammers became the first team to lose to Wolves in this campaign, enabling the Midlands side to increase their league points and lift their aspirations of evading a place in the history books as the worst team in Premier League history.

Commanding First-Half Performance Seals Historic Win

Within four minutes of the new year, Wolves were able to give the impression of finding much-needed resolution. The energetic Hwang Hee-chan provided a taste of his rejuvenated abilities with a long run before laying on an assist thanks to neat link-up play with Mateus Mané. The resulting cut-back found an unmarked Jhon Arias, who tapped in from close range to give Wolves a lead at Molineux for the first time since early October. Energy could be felt equally on the pitch and in the stands, a sight for much of the season.

Facing a side woefully short on confidence and deprived of key player Lucas Paquetá through injury, this represented the hosts' clearest chance for a victory to date. At first confused by taking the lead, Wolves chose to defend it doggedly, dropping deep with all players behind the ball from an early stage.

Generous Guests Add to West Ham's Miseries

West Ham proved generous guests, adding to their own demise. First, ex- Wolves captain Max Kilman was unable to execute a simple clearance from a cross, allowing Mané to pounce, only to be fouled by Soungoutou Magassa in the box. The 18-year-old player, formerly of Rochdale, emerged as the key figure on the field. Hwang took responsibility to score the resulting penalty, extending the lead. Tongue-in-cheek chants of "We will win the league" rang around Molineux.

Lacking belief and inspiration, West Ham drifted out of the game despite dominating the ball, managing just a single shot in the opening period.

The visitors' frustrations were compounded shortly before halftime. The confident Mané, a youngster among trepidatious adults, spun beautifully, cut in from the left, and unleashed a driven effort into the bottom corner from outside the box for his maiden professional goal. Finally, the Wolves supporters were enjoying themselves.

Fruitless Second Period Comeback Attempt

With nothing to lose, manager Nuno made a two change at half-time and switched to a offensive 3-4-3 formation. However, star forward Jarrod Bowen remained muted, and even introduction of Crysencio Summerville failed to provide the necessary spark.

A lingering feeling of nervousness continued to affected Wolves' judgment, unsure whether to clear the ball long or build from the back. However, they need not have been concerned against such passive resistance. West Ham's inherent failings were painfully obvious as they produced nothing of substance in the attacking areas.

Crucial Matches On the Horizon

In the end, Wolves were the only side capable of increasing the tally, and West Ham will be thankful the embarrassment was not more severe. Attention now turns to a critical Tuesday fixture at home to relegation-threatened Nottingham Forest, a match vital in the battle for Premier League survival. On this showing, West Ham should have cause to be afraid.