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This latest setback marks a further humiliating chapter in a troubled season for West Ham, increasing significant questions about the prospects of their manager. The London club had the misfortune of becoming the initial team to succumb to Wolves this term, enabling the West Midlands outfit to double their points tally and lift their aspirations of evading the tag in the history books as the least successful team in Premier League annals.

Commanding Opening Performance Seals Long-Awaited Triumph

Within the first four minutes of the match, Wolves managed to show signs of finding some confidence. The energetic Hwang Hee-chan offered a taste of his revitalised abilities with a lengthy run before turning provider thanks to sharp combination play with Mateus Mané. His pull-back found an untracked Jhon Arias, who tapped in from close range to give Wolves a home lead for the first time since October. Vibrancy could be felt equally on the field and in the terraces, a sight for much of the season.

Facing a team woefully out of form and deprived of creative talent Lucas Paquetá due to injury, this was the hosts' clearest opportunity for a victory to date. Initially confused by taking the lead, Wolves chose to defend it fiercely, dropping deep with all men behind the ball early on.

Generous Guests Compound Their Own Miseries

West Ham were accommodating guests, contributing to their own downfall. First, ex- Wolves captain Max Kilman was unable to make a simple clearance from a cross, allowing Mané to intervene, before being fouled by Soungoutou Magassa in the box. The teenage player, once of Rochdale, was proving the key man on the pitch. Hwang took responsibility to convert the subsequent spot-kick, doubling the advantage. Ironic chants of "We will win the league" rang around Molineux.

Short on belief and ideas, West Ham were drifting out of the game despite controlling possession, managing just a solitary attempt in the first half.

The away side's woes deepened shortly before halftime. The confident Mané, a youth among trepidatious senior players, turned exquisitely, drove infield from the left flank, and unleashed a driven effort into the bottom corner from outside the box for his maiden professional goal. At last, the Wolves supporters were enjoying themselves.

Fruitless Second Period Comeback Attempt

With nothing to lose, coach Nuno made a double substitution at the interval and switched to a offensive 3-4-3 formation. However, key attacker Jarrod Bowen was quiet, and the introduction of Crysencio Summerville failed to generate the necessary threat.

A persistent feeling of nervousness continued to affected Wolves' judgment, uncertain whether to hoof the ball to safety or build from the back. But, they need not have worried against such meek opponents. West Ham's own deficiencies were increasingly apparent as they produced very little of note in the final third.

Crucial Matches On the Horizon

Ultimately, Wolves were the only side likely of adding to the tally, and West Ham will be relieved the embarrassment was not more severe. Attention now turns to a critical midweek fixture at home to 17th-placed Nottingham Forest, a match vital in the battle for top-flight safety. On this evidence, West Ham have every reason to be afraid.