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This latest defeat constitutes another embarrassing chapter in an troubled season for West Ham, amplifying major questions about the prospects of their manager. The London club had the misfortune of becoming the first team to succumb to Wolves this term, allowing the West Midlands outfit to double their points tally and lift their hopes of avoiding the tag in the record books as the worst team in Premier League history.

Commanding Opening Display Secures Long-Awaited Win

Within four minutes of the match, Wolves managed to demonstrate of finding some confidence. The energetic Hwang Hee-chan provided a taste of his rejuvenated abilities with a lengthy run before turning provider following neat link-up play with Mateus Mané. His pull-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. Energy could be felt equally on the pitch and in the stands, a rarity for most of the season.

Facing a team terribly out of form and missing key player Lucas Paquetá through injury, this represented the home side's best opportunity for a victory this season. At first unnerved 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 generous visitors, adding to their own downfall. First, former Wolves captain Max Kilman failed to make a routine clearance from a cross, letting Mané to pounce, only to be brought down by Soungoutou Magassa in the box. The 18-year-old player, once of Rochdale, was proving the most influential figure on the pitch. Hwang took responsibility to score the resulting spot-kick, doubling the lead. Ironic chants of "We're going to win the league" rang around Molineux.

Short on belief and inspiration, West Ham were drifting out of the contest even with dominating possession, managing just a single attempt in the opening period.

The visitors' frustrations were compounded just prior to halftime. The fearless Mané, a youth among trepidatious senior players, spun beautifully, drove infield from the left, and fired a low effort into the bottom corner from outside the box for his first professional goal. At last, the Wolves fans could enjoy themselves.

Fruitless Second Period Response

With little to lose, manager Nuno made a two change at the interval and altered to a more attacking 3-4-3 formation. Yet, star forward Jarrod Bowen was quiet, and even introduction of Crysencio Summerville did not generate the required threat.

A persistent feeling of anxiety continued to clouded Wolves' decision-making, unsure whether to clear the ball to safety or play out patiently. However, they had no need to worried against such meek opponents. West Ham's own deficiencies became painfully apparent as they produced nothing of note in the attacking areas.

Crucial Fixtures On the Horizon

In the end, Wolves looked like the only side capable of adding to the tally, and West Ham will be relieved the damage was not more severe. Focus now shifts to a pivotal midweek fixture at home to relegation-threatened Nottingham Forest, a match essential in the fight for top-flight safety. On this evidence, the Hammers have cause to be afraid.