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This latest loss marks another humiliating episode in an troubled season for West Ham, increasing serious questions about the future of their manager. The London club had the misfortune of becoming the initial team to succumb to Wolves this term, enabling the West Midlands team to double their league points and lift their aspirations of avoiding the tag in the record books as the worst team in Premier League history.

Dominant First-Half Display Seals Long-Awaited Win

Within four minutes of the match, Wolves were able to show signs of discovering much-needed resolution. The lively Hwang Hee-chan offered a taste of his revitalised abilities with a long run before turning provider following neat combination play with Mateus Mané. His cut-back found an untracked Jhon Arias, who slid home from point-blank range to give Wolves a lead at Molineux for the first time since October. Energy could be felt both on the pitch and in the terraces, a sight for most of the term.

Facing a team terribly out of form and deprived of creative player Lucas Paquetá through injury, this represented the home side's clearest chance for a win to date. Initially confused by being ahead, Wolves opted to defend it fiercely, dropping deep with all men behind the ball early on.

Compliant Opponents Compound Their Own Miseries

West Ham proved generous guests, contributing to their own demise. First, ex- Wolves captain Max Kilman was unable to execute a routine clearance from a cross, letting Mané to pounce, before being brought down by Soungoutou Magassa inside the box. The teenage midfielder, formerly of Rochdale, emerged as the key man on the pitch. Hwang stepped up to convert the resulting penalty, extending the lead. Ironic chants of "We will win the league" rang around Molineux.

Short on belief and inspiration, West Ham were drifting away from the game despite controlling possession, registering just a single shot in the first half.

The away side's woes were compounded shortly before halftime. The confident Mané, a youth among trepidatious senior players, turned exquisitely, cut in from the left flank, and unleashed a driven shot into the bottom corner from outside the box for his first professional goal. At last, the home fans were enjoying themselves.

Ineffective Second Period Response

With nothing to lose, coach Nuno made a double change at the interval and altered to a offensive 3-4-3 formation. Yet, key forward Jarrod Bowen remained quiet, and the introduction of Crysencio Summerville failed to generate the necessary spark.

A lingering feeling of anxiety continued to affected Wolves' decision-making, unsure whether to hoof the ball to safety or play out from the back. But, they need not have been concerned against such meek opponents. West Ham's own deficiencies became increasingly apparent as they produced nothing of note in the final third.

Crucial Matches On the Horizon

In the end, Wolves looked like the sole side likely of adding to the scoreline, and West Ham will be relieved the embarrassment was not more severe. Attention now turns to a pivotal Tuesday fixture at home to relegation-threatened Nottingham Forest, a match essential in the battle for top-flight safety. Based on this evidence, the Hammers have every reason to be very worried.