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This latest loss represents a further demoralizing chapter in an troubled season for West Ham, raising major doubts about the prospects of their manager. The Hammers had the misfortune of becoming the initial team to succumb to Wolves this term, enabling the Midlands outfit to increase their league points and lift their aspirations of evading the tag in the record books as the worst team in Premier League annals.

Dominant Opening Display Seals Historic Win

Within the first four minutes of the match, Wolves managed to demonstrate of discovering much-needed resolution. The energetic Hwang Hee-chan offered a glimpse of his revitalised form with a lengthy run before turning provider following neat link-up play with Mateus Mané. The resulting cut-back found an unmarked Jhon Arias, who tapped in from close range to give Wolves a lead at Molineux for the first time since October. Vibrancy was evident both on the pitch and in the terraces, a rarity for most of the term.

Facing a side terribly out of form and deprived of key talent Lucas Paquetá through injury, this was the hosts' best opportunity for a win this season. Initially unnerved by being ahead, Wolves opted to protect it fiercely, falling deep with all men behind the ball early on.

Compliant Guests Compound Their Own Miseries

West Ham proved generous guests, contributing to their own demise. First, former Wolves captain Max Kilman was unable to make a routine clearance from a cross, allowing Mané to intervene, before being fouled by Soungoutou Magassa in the penalty area. The 18-year-old midfielder, formerly of Rochdale, was proving the most influential man on the field. Hwang stepped up to score the resulting spot-kick, doubling the advantage. Tongue-in-cheek chants of "We're going to win the league" rang around Molineux.

Short on belief and inspiration, West Ham were drifting away from the contest despite controlling the ball, managing just a single attempt in the first half.

The visitors' frustrations were compounded shortly before halftime. The fearless Mané, a youngster among nervous senior players, spun beautifully, drove infield from the left flank, and fired a driven shot into the far corner from outside the box for his maiden professional goal. At last, the Wolves supporters were enjoying themselves.

Ineffective Second-Half Response

With nothing to lose, coach Nuno made a double change at half-time and altered to a offensive 3-4-3 formation. However, star forward Jarrod Bowen remained muted, and the introduction of Crysencio Summerville did not provide the required threat.

A lingering sense of nervousness continued to clouded Wolves' decision-making, unsure whether to hoof the ball long or play out from the back. But, they had no need to been concerned against such passive resistance. West Ham's own failings were painfully apparent as they produced very little of substance in the final third.

Crucial 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. Attention now turns to a pivotal midweek fixture at home to 17th-placed Nottingham Forest, a match essential in the fight for Premier League safety. On this showing, the Hammers should have every reason to be afraid.