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This latest defeat constitutes one more humiliating chapter in a troubled season for West Ham, raising major doubts about the prospects of their manager. The Hammers had the misfortune of becoming the first team to succumb to Wolves in this campaign, enabling the West Midlands side to double their league points and lift their hopes of avoiding a place in the history books as the worst team in Premier League history.

Commanding First-Half Display Seals Long-Awaited Win

Fewer than four minutes of the match, Wolves were able to give the impression of discovering some resolve. The energetic Hwang Hee-chan offered a taste of his rejuvenated form with a long run before turning provider following neat combination play with Mateus Mané. The resulting pull-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 was evident both on the field and in the stands, a rarity for most of the term.

Facing a team woefully out of form and missing key player Lucas Paquetá through injury, this was the home side's best opportunity for a victory this season. Initially confused by being ahead, Wolves opted to defend it doggedly, falling back with all players behind the ball early on.

Generous Guests Compound West Ham's Miseries

West Ham were accommodating guests, contributing to their own demise. First, former Wolves captain Max Kilman failed to make a simple clearance from a cross, allowing Mané to pounce, only to be brought down by Soungoutou Magassa inside the box. The teenage player, formerly of Rochdale, emerged as the most influential figure on the pitch. Hwang took responsibility to score the resulting spot-kick, extending the advantage. Tongue-in-cheek chants of "We're going to win the league" rang around Molineux.

Lacking confidence and inspiration, West Ham were drifting out of the contest despite controlling the ball, registering just a single shot in the opening period.

The away side's frustrations deepened shortly before halftime. The fearless Mané, a youngster among trepidatious adults, turned beautifully, drove infield from the left flank, and unleashed a low shot into the bottom corner from 18 yards for his first professional goal. At last, the Wolves fans could enjoy themselves.

Ineffective Second Period Response

With nothing to lose, manager Nuno introduced a two substitution at half-time and altered to a offensive 3-4-3 formation. Yet, star attacker Jarrod Bowen remained muted, and even introduction of Crysencio Summerville failed to provide the required threat.

A lingering sense of nervousness continued to clouded Wolves' judgment, unsure whether to clear the ball to safety or build patiently. However, they had no need to worried against such meek opponents. West Ham's own deficiencies became painfully obvious as they produced nothing of substance in the final third.

Critical Fixtures On the Horizon

Ultimately, Wolves looked like the sole side capable of increasing the tally, and West Ham will be relieved the damage was not more severe. Focus now shifts to a critical midweek encounter at home to relegation-threatened Nottingham Forest, a match vital in the battle for Premier League survival. On this showing, the Hammers have cause to be very worried.