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This latest setback represents one more humiliating chapter in an torrid season for West Ham, amplifying significant questions about the prospects of their manager. The London club became the first team to lose to Wolves this term, enabling the West Midlands side 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 Performance Seals Long-Awaited Victory

Fewer than four minutes of the match, Wolves were able to show signs of discovering some resolve. The energetic Hwang Hee-chan provided a glimpse of his revitalised form with a lengthy run before laying on an assist thanks to neat link-up play with Mateus Mané. The resulting cut-back found an unmarked Jhon Arias, who slid home from close range to give Wolves a home lead for the first time since October. Vibrancy was evident both on the pitch and in the terraces, a sight for much of the term.

Facing a team woefully out of form and deprived of creative player Lucas Paquetá due to injury, this was the hosts' clearest chance for a victory this season. At first confused by being ahead, Wolves chose to defend it doggedly, dropping deep with all men behind the ball from an early stage.

Generous Opponents Add to West Ham's Problems

West Ham were accommodating visitors, contributing to their own downfall. First, ex- Wolves captain Max Kilman was unable to execute a routine clearance from a cross, allowing Mané to pounce, only to be brought down by Soungoutou Magassa inside the box. The teenage player, formerly of Rochdale, was proving the most influential figure on the field. Hwang stepped up to score the resulting penalty, extending the lead. Tongue-in-cheek chants of "We will win the league" echoed around Molineux.

Short on belief and inspiration, West Ham were drifting away from the game despite dominating the ball, managing just a solitary attempt in the first half.

The away side's woes were compounded just prior to halftime. The fearless Mané, a youth among trepidatious senior players, spun exquisitely, drove infield from the left, and unleashed a driven effort into the bottom corner from outside the box for his first senior goal. At last, the home supporters were enjoying themselves.

Fruitless Second Period Response

With nothing to lose, coach Nuno made a double substitution at half-time and switched to a offensive 3-4-3 formation. Yet, star attacker Jarrod Bowen remained quiet, and even introduction of Crysencio Summerville did not generate the necessary threat.

A persistent feeling of anxiety continued to affected Wolves' decision-making, unsure whether to hoof the ball long or play out patiently. However, they need not have been concerned against such passive resistance. West Ham's inherent failings were painfully obvious as they created nothing of note in the attacking areas.

Crucial Matches Lie Ahead

Ultimately, Wolves were the only side likely of increasing the scoreline, and West Ham will be thankful the damage was not greater. Focus now shifts to a critical midweek encounter at home to 17th-placed Nottingham Forest, a match essential in the battle for top-flight survival. On this showing, West Ham have every reason to be very worried.