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This defeat constitutes one more embarrassing chapter in a torrid season for West Ham, increasing major doubts about the prospects of their manager. The London club became the initial team to fall to Wolves this term, allowing the West Midlands outfit to double their points tally and lift their aspirations of avoiding a place in the record books as the worst team in Premier League history.

Dominant First-Half Performance Seals Historic Victory

Fewer than the first four minutes of the match, Wolves managed to demonstrate of finding much-needed confidence. The energetic Hwang Hee-chan offered a glimpse of his rejuvenated abilities with a long run before laying on an assist thanks to neat combination play with Mateus Mané. The resulting cut-back found an unmarked Jhon Arias, who slid home from point-blank range to give Wolves a home lead for the first time since early October. Vibrancy could be felt both on the pitch and in the terraces, a sight for much of the term.

Facing a side terribly out of form and deprived of key player Lucas Paquetá due to injury, this represented the hosts' clearest chance for a win this season. Initially unnerved by taking the lead, Wolves opted to protect it fiercely, dropping deep with all men behind the ball from an early stage.

Generous Guests Add to Their Own Problems

West Ham proved accommodating visitors, contributing to their own downfall. First, former Wolves captain Max Kilman was unable to make a routine clearance from a cross, allowing Mané to pounce, only to be brought down by Soungoutou Magassa in the penalty area. The 18-year-old midfielder, formerly of Rochdale, emerged as the key figure on the pitch. Hwang stepped up to convert the resulting penalty, extending the advantage. Ironic chants of "We will win the league" rang around Molineux.

Lacking confidence and ideas, West Ham drifted out of the contest even with controlling the ball, managing just a solitary attempt in the opening period.

The away side's woes were compounded just prior to halftime. The fearless Mané, a youth among nervous adults, turned exquisitely, cut in from the left flank, and fired a low shot into the far corner from 18 yards for his maiden professional goal. Finally, the Wolves fans could enjoy themselves.

Ineffective Second Period Comeback Attempt

With little to lose, manager Nuno made a two change at the interval and altered to a more attacking 3-4-3 formation. However, key forward Jarrod Bowen was muted, and even introduction of Crysencio Summerville failed to provide the necessary threat.

A persistent feeling of nervousness still affected Wolves' decision-making, uncertain whether to clear the ball long or build patiently. But, they need not have been concerned against such passive resistance. West Ham's inherent failings were painfully apparent as they produced very little of substance in the final third.

Critical Fixtures Lie Ahead

In the end, Wolves looked like the sole side likely of adding to the tally, and West Ham will be relieved the damage was not greater. Attention now turns to a pivotal midweek encounter at home to relegation-threatened Nottingham Forest, a match vital in the fight for top-flight safety. On this evidence, West Ham should have every reason to be afraid.