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This defeat marks another humiliating episode in an difficult season for West Ham, increasing serious doubts about the future of their manager. The London club became the first team to lose to Wolves this term, enabling the Midlands outfit to double their league points 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 Long-Awaited Victory

Within the first four minutes of the match, Wolves managed to give the impression of finding much-needed resolve. The lively Hwang Hee-chan provided a glimpse of his rejuvenated form with a lengthy run before turning provider following sharp link-up play with Mateus Mané. The resulting 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. Energy was evident both on the pitch and in the stands, a rarity for much of the season.

Facing a team woefully short on confidence and deprived of key talent Lucas Paquetá through injury, this was the hosts' best chance for a win this season. Initially unnerved by being ahead, Wolves opted to defend it doggedly, dropping deep with eleven players behind the ball early on.

Generous Guests Add to West Ham's Problems

West Ham were generous visitors, contributing to their own demise. First, former Wolves captain Max Kilman was unable to execute a simple clearance from a cross, letting Mané to pounce, before being fouled by Soungoutou Magassa in the penalty area. The teenage midfielder, once of Rochdale, was proving the most influential man on the field. Hwang took responsibility to score the resulting spot-kick, doubling the lead. Ironic chants of "We will win the league" echoed around Molineux.

Short on confidence and ideas, West Ham drifted away from the contest despite controlling the ball, registering just a solitary shot in the opening period.

The visitors' woes deepened just prior to halftime. The fearless Mané, a youngster among trepidatious adults, spun exquisitely, drove infield from the left, and fired a driven shot into the far corner from outside the box for his first senior goal. At last, the Wolves supporters could enjoy themselves.

Ineffective Second-Half Response

With nothing to lose, coach Nuno made a two change at half-time and altered to a offensive 3-4-3 formation. However, key attacker Jarrod Bowen remained muted, and the introduction of Crysencio Summerville failed to generate the required threat.

A persistent feeling of anxiety still affected Wolves' judgment, unsure whether to clear the ball long or play out patiently. But, they had no need to been concerned against such meek opponents. West Ham's own deficiencies became increasingly apparent as they produced nothing of note in the attacking areas.

Crucial Matches On the Horizon

Ultimately, Wolves were the sole side capable of increasing the scoreline, and West Ham will be thankful the embarrassment was not greater. Focus now turns to a pivotal midweek fixture at home to relegation-threatened Nottingham Forest, a match vital in the battle for top-flight survival. Based on this showing, the Hammers have cause to be afraid.