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This latest loss marks a further humiliating episode in an torrid season for West Ham, amplifying serious questions about the prospects of their manager. The Hammers had the misfortune of becoming the initial team to fall to Wolves in this campaign, enabling the West Midlands outfit to double their points tally and boost their hopes of avoiding the tag in the history books as the worst team in Premier League history.

Commanding First-Half Display Seals Historic Victory

Within four minutes into the match, Wolves managed to demonstrate of discovering some resolution. The lively Hwang Hee-chan provided a glimpse of his revitalised abilities with a lengthy run before turning provider thanks to sharp link-up play with Mateus Mané. His pull-back found an untracked Jhon Arias, who slid home from point-blank range to give Wolves a lead at Molineux for the first time since early October. Vibrancy could be felt equally on the pitch and in the terraces, a rarity for much of the season.

Facing a team terribly short on confidence and missing key talent Lucas Paquetá through injury, this represented the hosts' clearest chance for a victory to date. At first confused by taking the lead, Wolves chose to protect it doggedly, dropping deep with all men behind the ball from an early stage.

Compliant Guests Compound Their Own Problems

West Ham were accommodating visitors, adding to their own downfall. First, ex- Wolves captain Max Kilman was unable to execute a simple clearance from a cross, allowing Mané to intervene, before being brought down by Soungoutou Magassa inside the box. The teenage midfielder, once of Rochdale, emerged as the key figure on the field. Hwang took responsibility to convert the resulting spot-kick, extending the advantage. Ironic chants of "We're going to win the league" echoed around Molineux.

Lacking confidence and inspiration, West Ham were drifting out of the contest despite dominating the ball, registering just a solitary attempt in the opening period.

The visitors' frustrations were compounded just prior to halftime. The confident Mané, a youngster among nervous adults, spun exquisitely, cut in from the left flank, and fired a low shot into the far corner from 18 yards for his first senior goal. Finally, the Wolves supporters could enjoy themselves.

Ineffective Second-Half Comeback Attempt

With nothing to lose, manager Nuno made a double change at half-time and switched to a more attacking 3-4-3 shape. However, key forward Jarrod Bowen was quiet, and even introduction of Crysencio Summerville did not provide the necessary spark.

A lingering feeling of anxiety continued to clouded Wolves' judgment, uncertain whether to clear the ball to safety or play out patiently. But, they had no need to been concerned against such meek opponents. West Ham's own failings were increasingly obvious as they created very little of note in the attacking areas.

Critical Fixtures On the Horizon

In the end, Wolves were the sole side capable of adding to the tally, and West Ham will be thankful the damage was not more severe. Focus now turns to a critical Tuesday fixture at home to 17th-placed Nottingham Forest, a match essential in the battle for top-flight safety. Based on this evidence, West Ham should have every reason to be very worried.