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This latest loss represents another embarrassing chapter in a torrid season for West Ham, amplifying major doubts about the prospects of their manager. The Hammers became the initial team to fall to Wolves this term, enabling the Midlands team to double their points tally and lift their aspirations of avoiding a place in the history books as the worst team in Premier League annals.

Dominant First-Half Display Seals Long-Awaited Victory

Within four minutes of the match, Wolves managed to show signs of discovering much-needed confidence. The energetic Hwang Hee-chan offered a taste of his revitalised form with a long run before turning provider following sharp link-up play with Mateus Mané. The resulting pull-back found an unmarked Jhon Arias, who tapped in from close range to give Wolves a lead at Molineux for the first time since early October. Vibrancy was evident both on the field and in the terraces, a sight for most of the term.

Facing a team terribly out of form and missing key talent Lucas Paquetá through injury, this was the home side's clearest chance for a victory this season. At first confused by being ahead, Wolves opted to defend it doggedly, dropping back with all men behind the ball early on.

Generous Opponents Compound West Ham's Problems

West Ham proved generous guests, adding to their own demise. First, former Wolves captain Max Kilman was unable to execute a routine clearance from a cross, letting Mané to pounce, before being fouled by Soungoutou Magassa inside the penalty area. The 18-year-old player, formerly of Rochdale, was proving the key man on the field. Hwang took responsibility to convert the subsequent penalty, doubling the lead. Tongue-in-cheek chants of "We will win the league" echoed around Molineux.

Lacking confidence and inspiration, West Ham drifted out of the game even with controlling the ball, managing just a single shot in the opening period.

The away side's frustrations deepened just prior to halftime. The confident Mané, a youth among nervous senior players, spun exquisitely, cut in from the left, and unleashed a low effort into the bottom corner from outside the box for his first professional goal. At last, the Wolves supporters were enjoying themselves.

Fruitless Second-Half Comeback Attempt

With nothing to lose, coach Nuno made a double substitution at half-time and altered to a offensive 3-4-3 shape. Yet, key forward Jarrod Bowen was muted, and even introduction of Crysencio Summerville did not provide the required threat.

A persistent feeling of nervousness continued to affected Wolves' judgment, uncertain whether to clear the ball long or build from the back. However, they had no need to been concerned against such passive opponents. West Ham's inherent deficiencies became painfully apparent as they produced very little of note in the attacking areas.

Critical Fixtures On the Horizon

In the end, Wolves looked like the sole side capable of adding to the tally, and West Ham will be thankful the embarrassment was not more severe. Focus now turns to a critical midweek encounter at home to relegation-threatened Nottingham Forest, a match essential in the fight for Premier League survival. On this showing, the Hammers have every reason to be very worried.