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This defeat represents a further humiliating chapter in an troubled season for West Ham, amplifying major doubts about the future of their manager. The Hammers became the initial team to lose to Wolves in this campaign, enabling the Midlands side to double their points tally and lift their hopes of evading the tag in the record books as the least successful team in Premier League history.

Dominant First-Half Performance Secures Long-Awaited Victory

Within four minutes into the match, Wolves were able to show signs of finding some confidence. The lively Hwang Hee-chan offered a glimpse of his revitalised form with a long run before laying on an assist following neat link-up play with Mateus Mané. The resulting pull-back found an unmarked Jhon Arias, who tapped in from close range to give Wolves a home lead for the first time since October. Vibrancy could be felt equally on the pitch and in the terraces, a rarity for most of the season.

Facing a side terribly out of form and missing creative player Lucas Paquetá due to injury, this was the home side's best opportunity for a victory this season. At first confused by taking the lead, Wolves chose to defend it doggedly, falling deep with eleven players behind the ball from an early stage.

Generous Guests Add to Their Own Miseries

West Ham were accommodating visitors, contributing to their own demise. First, ex- Wolves captain Max Kilman failed to make a simple clearance from a cross, letting Mané to intervene, only to be brought down by Soungoutou Magassa inside the box. The teenage midfielder, once of Rochdale, emerged as the key man on the pitch. Hwang took responsibility to convert the resulting spot-kick, doubling the advantage. Ironic chants of "We will win the league" echoed around Molineux.

Short on belief and ideas, West Ham drifted away from the game despite controlling possession, managing just a solitary attempt in the opening period.

The away side's woes were compounded just prior to halftime. The confident Mané, a youngster among trepidatious adults, turned beautifully, drove infield from the left flank, and fired a driven shot into the far corner from outside the box for his first senior goal. At last, the Wolves supporters were enjoying themselves.

Fruitless Second Period Comeback Attempt

With nothing to lose, manager Nuno introduced a two substitution at the interval and altered to a offensive 3-4-3 formation. However, key forward Jarrod Bowen was muted, and even introduction of Crysencio Summerville did not generate the required threat.

A persistent feeling of anxiety continued to affected Wolves' judgment, unsure whether to hoof the ball long or play out patiently. However, they had no need to worried against such passive resistance. West Ham's own failings were painfully obvious as they created very little of substance in the attacking areas.

Critical Fixtures Lie Ahead

In the end, Wolves looked like the sole side likely of adding to the scoreline, and West Ham will be relieved the embarrassment was not more severe. Focus now shifts to a pivotal midweek encounter at home to relegation-threatened Nottingham Forest, a match essential in the battle for top-flight survival. On this showing, West Ham have cause to be afraid.