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This latest setback constitutes one more humiliating chapter in an difficult season for West Ham, increasing serious questions about the prospects of their manager. The London club had the misfortune of becoming the first team to succumb to Wolves this term, enabling the Midlands outfit to double their points tally and lift their hopes of avoiding a place in the history books as the least successful team in Premier League history.

Dominant Opening Display Seals Long-Awaited Victory

Fewer than the first four minutes into the match, Wolves were able to give the impression of discovering much-needed resolve. The energetic Hwang Hee-chan provided a taste of his revitalised abilities with a lengthy run before laying on an assist following sharp combination play with Mateus Mané. His cut-back found an unmarked Jhon Arias, who tapped in from close range to give Wolves a home lead for the first time since early October. Vibrancy could be felt equally on the field and in the stands, a sight for much of the season.

Facing a side woefully out of form and deprived of creative player Lucas Paquetá through injury, this was the hosts' clearest opportunity for a win this season. At first unnerved by being ahead, Wolves opted to defend it fiercely, falling back with eleven players behind the ball early on.

Generous Guests Add to West Ham's Miseries

West Ham proved generous guests, contributing to their own demise. First, ex- Wolves captain Max Kilman failed to make a simple clearance from a cross, allowing Mané to intervene, before being fouled by Soungoutou Magassa inside the box. The teenage player, formerly of Rochdale, emerged as the most influential figure on the field. Hwang took responsibility to score the resulting spot-kick, doubling the lead. Ironic chants of "We're going to win the league" rang around Molineux.

Short on confidence and inspiration, West Ham drifted out of the game even with controlling the ball, managing just a solitary shot in the first half.

The away side's frustrations were compounded just prior to halftime. The confident Mané, a youth among trepidatious adults, spun exquisitely, cut in from the left, and fired a driven effort into the far corner from 18 yards for his first senior goal. At last, the home fans were enjoying themselves.

Ineffective Second-Half Comeback Attempt

With nothing to lose, coach Nuno introduced a two substitution at half-time and switched to a offensive 3-4-3 shape. However, key attacker Jarrod Bowen remained muted, and the introduction of Crysencio Summerville failed to provide the necessary spark.

A persistent feeling of nervousness continued to affected Wolves' judgment, unsure whether to hoof the ball to safety or play out from the back. But, they need not have worried against such meek resistance. West Ham's own deficiencies were increasingly obvious as they created nothing of note in the final third.

Crucial Fixtures On the Horizon

Ultimately, Wolves were the only side capable of increasing the scoreline, and West Ham will be thankful the damage was not greater. Focus now turns to a critical midweek fixture at home to 17th-placed Nottingham Forest, a match vital in the fight for Premier League survival. Based on this showing, West Ham have cause to be very worried.