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This defeat marks another humiliating episode in a troubled season for West Ham, raising significant questions about the prospects of their manager. The London club had the misfortune of becoming the first team to lose to Wolves this term, allowing the Midlands side to increase their league points and boost their hopes of avoiding the tag in the history books as the worst team in Premier League annals.

Dominant Opening Display Secures Long-Awaited Win

Within four minutes of the match, Wolves managed to give the impression of discovering some confidence. The lively Hwang Hee-chan provided a glimpse of his revitalised abilities with a lengthy run before turning provider following neat link-up play with Mateus Mané. His cut-back found an unmarked Jhon Arias, who tapped in from point-blank range to give Wolves a lead at Molineux for the first time since October. Energy was evident equally on the field and in the terraces, a rarity for most of the term.

Facing a side terribly out of form and deprived of creative talent Lucas Paquetá through injury, this was the home side's clearest opportunity for a win this season. Initially unnerved by being ahead, Wolves opted to defend it doggedly, falling deep with all men behind the ball early on.

Compliant Opponents Add to Their Own Problems

West Ham were accommodating visitors, 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 fouled by Soungoutou Magassa in the box. The 18-year-old player, formerly of Rochdale, was proving the key figure on the field. Hwang took responsibility to score the subsequent penalty, doubling the lead. Ironic chants of "We will win the league" echoed around Molineux.

Short on belief and ideas, West Ham drifted out of the contest despite dominating the ball, registering just a single attempt in the opening period.

The away side's frustrations were compounded shortly before halftime. The confident Mané, a youngster among trepidatious adults, turned exquisitely, cut in from the left, and fired a low effort into the bottom corner from 18 yards for his maiden professional goal. At last, the Wolves fans were enjoying themselves.

Fruitless Second Period Comeback Attempt

With nothing to lose, manager Nuno made a two substitution at the interval and altered to a more attacking 3-4-3 formation. Yet, star attacker Jarrod Bowen was quiet, and even introduction of Crysencio Summerville did not provide the required threat.

A lingering sense of nervousness continued to clouded Wolves' decision-making, unsure whether to clear the ball long or play out patiently. However, they had no need to worried against such passive opponents. West Ham's own failings became increasingly apparent as they produced very little of note in the attacking areas.

Critical Fixtures On the Horizon

Ultimately, Wolves were the only side capable of increasing the scoreline, and West Ham will be relieved the embarrassment was not more severe. Attention now turns to a critical Tuesday fixture at home to relegation-threatened Nottingham Forest, a match vital in the fight for Premier League survival. Based on this showing, West Ham have cause to be very worried.