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This setback constitutes another demoralizing chapter in a troubled season for West Ham, amplifying serious doubts about the prospects of their manager. The London club had the misfortune of becoming the first team to fall to Wolves this term, allowing the Midlands side 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.

Dominant Opening Display Seals Historic Win

Fewer than four minutes into the match, Wolves managed to give the impression of discovering much-needed resolution. The lively Hwang Hee-chan provided a glimpse of his rejuvenated form with a lengthy run before turning provider following sharp combination play with Mateus Mané. His pull-back found an untracked Jhon Arias, who tapped in from close range to give Wolves a lead at Molineux for the first time since early October. Vibrancy could be felt equally on the pitch and in the terraces, a rarity for most of the term.

Facing a team woefully out of form and missing creative talent Lucas Paquetá due to injury, this was the hosts' best opportunity for a victory this season. Initially confused by taking the lead, Wolves opted to defend it doggedly, dropping back with all men behind the ball from an early stage.

Compliant Opponents Compound Their Own Miseries

West Ham proved accommodating guests, contributing to their own downfall. First, ex- Wolves captain Max Kilman failed to execute a routine clearance from a cross, allowing Mané to pounce, only to be brought down by Soungoutou Magassa in the box. The teenage midfielder, formerly of Rochdale, emerged as the most influential figure on the pitch. 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 inspiration, West Ham were drifting out of the game even with controlling possession, managing just a solitary attempt in the first half.

The away side's frustrations deepened shortly before halftime. The confident Mané, a youngster among trepidatious senior players, turned exquisitely, cut in from the left, and fired a driven shot into the far corner from outside the box for his maiden senior goal. At last, the home fans could enjoy themselves.

Fruitless Second Period Comeback Attempt

With nothing to lose, coach Nuno made a double change at half-time and switched to a more attacking 3-4-3 shape. However, star forward Jarrod Bowen was quiet, and the introduction of Crysencio Summerville did not generate the necessary spark.

A lingering sense of nervousness still clouded Wolves' decision-making, unsure whether to hoof the ball long or play out from the back. But, they had no need to worried against such passive resistance. West Ham's own deficiencies became increasingly obvious as they produced very little of substance in the attacking areas.

Crucial Matches On the Horizon

In the end, Wolves were the only side capable of adding to the tally, and West Ham will be relieved the embarrassment was not greater. Focus now turns to a pivotal Tuesday encounter at home to relegation-threatened Nottingham Forest, a match vital in the fight for top-flight safety. On this showing, the Hammers have every reason to be very worried.