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This loss marks another embarrassing chapter in an difficult season for West Ham, raising major doubts about the prospects of their manager. The London club became the first team to lose to Wolves this term, enabling the Midlands team to double their points tally and boost their aspirations of evading the tag in the history books as the worst team in Premier League annals.

Commanding First-Half Performance Seals Historic Victory

Fewer than the first four minutes of the match, Wolves managed to demonstrate of discovering much-needed resolve. The energetic Hwang Hee-chan provided a taste of his rejuvenated form with a long run before laying on an assist following sharp combination play with Mateus Mané. The resulting pull-back found an untracked Jhon Arias, who slid home from close range to give Wolves a home lead for the first time since October. Vibrancy could be felt both on the field and in the stands, a sight for much of the season.

Facing a team woefully out of form and missing creative talent Lucas Paquetá through injury, this was the hosts' best opportunity for a win to date. Initially confused by being ahead, Wolves chose to protect it doggedly, falling back with all players behind the ball from an early stage.

Generous Opponents Add to Their Own Problems

West Ham proved accommodating visitors, contributing to their own demise. First, former Wolves captain Max Kilman failed to make a routine clearance from a cross, allowing Mané to pounce, only to be brought down by Soungoutou Magassa in the box. The teenage player, formerly of Rochdale, was proving the most influential man on the field. Hwang stepped up to score the subsequent penalty, extending the lead. Ironic chants of "We're going to win the league" rang around Molineux.

Lacking belief and ideas, West Ham drifted away from the contest despite dominating possession, registering just a solitary shot in the first half.

The visitors' woes deepened shortly before halftime. The confident Mané, a youngster among nervous senior players, spun exquisitely, drove infield from the left flank, and fired a low effort into the far corner from outside the box for his first senior goal. At last, the Wolves supporters could enjoy themselves.

Fruitless Second-Half Comeback Attempt

With nothing to lose, coach Nuno introduced a two substitution at the interval and altered to a offensive 3-4-3 formation. Yet, star attacker Jarrod Bowen was quiet, and even introduction of Crysencio Summerville failed to provide the necessary threat.

A persistent feeling of nervousness continued to clouded Wolves' judgment, unsure whether to hoof the ball long or play out patiently. But, they need not have been concerned against such meek opponents. West Ham's inherent failings became increasingly obvious as they produced nothing of substance in the attacking areas.

Crucial Fixtures Lie Ahead

Ultimately, Wolves looked like the only side likely of increasing the scoreline, and West Ham will be thankful the embarrassment was not more severe. Attention now turns to a pivotal Tuesday fixture at home to 17th-placed Nottingham Forest, a match essential in the battle for Premier League survival. On this showing, West Ham should have cause to be very worried.