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This latest setback represents a further demoralizing episode in an torrid season for West Ham, increasing significant questions about the prospects of their manager. The Hammers had the misfortune of becoming the initial team to succumb to Wolves this term, enabling the Midlands outfit to double their league points and lift their aspirations of evading a place in the record books as the worst team in Premier League annals.

Dominant First-Half Performance Seals Historic Victory

Fewer than four minutes into the match, Wolves managed to demonstrate of finding some confidence. The energetic Hwang Hee-chan offered a taste of his rejuvenated form with a lengthy run before turning provider thanks to neat combination play with Mateus Mané. The resulting cut-back found an untracked Jhon Arias, who tapped in from point-blank range to give Wolves a lead at Molineux for the first time since early October. Energy could be felt both on the field and in the stands, a sight for much of the term.

Facing a team terribly out of form and missing creative player Lucas Paquetá due to injury, this was the home side's clearest chance for a win to date. Initially confused by being ahead, Wolves opted to protect it doggedly, dropping deep with eleven players behind the ball from an early stage.

Generous Guests Add to Their Own Miseries

West Ham proved generous visitors, adding to their own downfall. First, ex- Wolves captain Max Kilman failed to execute a simple clearance from a cross, letting Mané to pounce, before being brought down by Soungoutou Magassa inside the penalty area. The teenage player, formerly of Rochdale, was proving the key man on the pitch. Hwang stepped up to convert the subsequent penalty, extending the advantage. Ironic chants of "We will win the league" rang around Molineux.

Lacking belief and ideas, West Ham were drifting out of the game even with dominating possession, managing just a solitary attempt in the opening period.

The visitors' woes deepened shortly before halftime. The fearless Mané, a youngster among nervous adults, spun beautifully, cut in from the left, and fired a low effort into the bottom corner from outside the box for his maiden senior goal. At last, the Wolves fans could enjoy themselves.

Ineffective Second-Half Response

With nothing to lose, manager Nuno introduced a two change at half-time and switched to a more attacking 3-4-3 formation. However, star forward Jarrod Bowen was quiet, and even introduction of Crysencio Summerville failed to generate the required threat.

A persistent sense of nervousness continued to clouded Wolves' judgment, unsure whether to hoof the ball long or play out patiently. But, they need not have worried against such meek resistance. West Ham's own deficiencies were increasingly apparent as they created very little of substance in the final third.

Critical Matches On the Horizon

Ultimately, Wolves were the only side likely of increasing the tally, and West Ham will be relieved the embarrassment was not greater. Focus now turns to a critical midweek fixture at home to 17th-placed Nottingham Forest, a match vital in the battle for Premier League survival. On this showing, the Hammers should have every reason to be afraid.