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This latest loss marks a further embarrassing episode in a difficult season for West Ham, increasing major questions about the prospects of their manager. The London club became the first team to lose to Wolves this term, allowing the West Midlands outfit to double their points tally and boost their hopes of avoiding a place in the history books as the worst team in Premier League annals.

Dominant Opening Performance Seals Long-Awaited Victory

Within four minutes of the match, Wolves managed to give the impression of discovering much-needed resolution. The energetic Hwang Hee-chan provided a glimpse of his revitalised form with a lengthy run before laying on an assist thanks to neat combination play with Mateus Mané. His pull-back found an untracked Jhon Arias, who tapped in from point-blank range to give Wolves a home lead for the first time since early October. Vibrancy was evident both on the pitch and in the terraces, a rarity for most of the term.

Facing a team woefully out of form and deprived of creative talent Lucas Paquetá due to injury, this represented the hosts' clearest opportunity for a victory this season. Initially confused by being ahead, Wolves opted to defend it doggedly, falling deep with eleven men behind the ball early on.

Compliant Opponents Compound West Ham's Problems

West Ham were accommodating guests, adding to their own downfall. First, ex- Wolves captain Max Kilman failed to make a simple clearance from a cross, letting Mané to pounce, before being fouled by Soungoutou Magassa inside the box. The teenage player, formerly of Rochdale, emerged as the key man on the field. Hwang stepped up to convert the subsequent penalty, doubling the lead. Tongue-in-cheek chants of "We will win the league" echoed around Molineux.

Short on confidence and ideas, West Ham were drifting away from the game even with dominating possession, registering just a solitary attempt in the first half.

The away side's woes deepened just prior to halftime. The fearless Mané, a youngster among nervous adults, turned exquisitely, cut in from the left, and unleashed a driven effort into the far corner from 18 yards for his maiden senior goal. Finally, the home fans could enjoy themselves.

Fruitless Second Period Response

With nothing to lose, manager Nuno introduced a double substitution at the interval and altered to a offensive 3-4-3 shape. Yet, star forward Jarrod Bowen remained muted, and even introduction of Crysencio Summerville failed to provide the required threat.

A persistent sense of nervousness continued to clouded Wolves' decision-making, uncertain whether to hoof the ball long or build patiently. But, they need not have worried against such meek opponents. West Ham's own failings became painfully apparent as they produced very little of note in the attacking areas.

Critical Matches On the Horizon

In the end, Wolves were the sole side capable of increasing the tally, and West Ham will be relieved the embarrassment was not more severe. Focus now turns to a critical Tuesday encounter at home to 17th-placed Nottingham Forest, a match vital in the fight for top-flight safety. Based on this evidence, West Ham should have every reason to be afraid.