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This loss represents one more humiliating episode in a difficult season for West Ham, raising serious doubts about the future of their manager. The Hammers had the misfortune of becoming the initial team to lose to Wolves this term, enabling the Midlands outfit to double their league points and boost their hopes of evading the tag in the history books as the worst team in Premier League annals.

Commanding First-Half Display Secures Long-Awaited Win

Within the first four minutes of the match, Wolves were able to show signs of discovering some confidence. The lively Hwang Hee-chan provided a glimpse of his revitalised abilities with a long run before turning provider thanks to sharp link-up play with Mateus Mané. The resulting cut-back found an unmarked Jhon Arias, who tapped in from point-blank range to give Wolves a home lead for the first time since early October. Vibrancy could be felt both on the pitch and in the stands, a sight for much of the season.

Facing a team terribly out of form and deprived of creative talent Lucas Paquetá through injury, this represented the home side's clearest opportunity for a victory this season. At first unnerved by being ahead, Wolves chose to defend it doggedly, falling back with eleven men behind the ball from an early stage.

Compliant Opponents Compound West Ham's Problems

West Ham proved accommodating guests, adding to their own downfall. First, ex- Wolves captain Max Kilman failed to make a simple clearance from a cross, letting Mané to pounce, only to be brought down by Soungoutou Magassa inside the penalty area. The 18-year-old midfielder, once of Rochdale, emerged as the key man on the pitch. Hwang took responsibility to score the subsequent spot-kick, doubling the lead. Tongue-in-cheek chants of "We will win the league" rang around Molineux.

Short on belief and ideas, West Ham were drifting away from the game even with controlling possession, registering just a single attempt in the first half.

The away side's frustrations deepened shortly before halftime. The fearless Mané, a youth among nervous senior players, spun exquisitely, cut in from the left, and unleashed a driven shot into the bottom corner from 18 yards for his first professional goal. Finally, the Wolves fans were enjoying themselves.

Fruitless Second Period Comeback Attempt

With nothing to lose, coach Nuno introduced a double change at the interval and altered to a more attacking 3-4-3 formation. Yet, key attacker Jarrod Bowen remained quiet, and the introduction of Crysencio Summerville did not provide the required threat.

A lingering feeling of nervousness still affected Wolves' decision-making, unsure whether to clear the ball long or build from the back. However, they need not have been concerned against such meek resistance. West Ham's inherent failings became increasingly obvious as they created very little of note in the attacking areas.

Crucial Fixtures On the Horizon

In the end, Wolves were the sole side capable of adding to the tally, and West Ham will be relieved the embarrassment was not greater. Attention now turns to a pivotal Tuesday fixture at home to relegation-threatened Nottingham Forest, a match vital in the battle for Premier League safety. On this evidence, the Hammers have cause to be very worried.