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This setback marks a further demoralizing chapter in a troubled season for West Ham, increasing serious questions about the future of their manager. The Hammers had the misfortune of becoming the first team to lose to Wolves this term, allowing the Midlands team to increase their points tally and boost their hopes of evading a place in the history books as the worst team in Premier League annals.

Dominant First-Half Display Seals Long-Awaited Victory

Within the first four minutes into the match, Wolves managed to demonstrate of discovering much-needed resolve. The lively Hwang Hee-chan provided a glimpse of his revitalised form with a lengthy run before laying on an assist thanks to neat link-up play with Mateus Mané. The resulting cut-back found an untracked Jhon Arias, who slid home from close range to give Wolves a home lead for the first time since October. Energy was evident equally on the pitch and in the terraces, a rarity for most of the season.

Facing a team woefully out of form and missing key player Lucas Paquetá through injury, this was the home side's clearest chance for a victory this season. At first unnerved by taking the lead, Wolves opted to defend it fiercely, dropping back with all players behind the ball early on.

Compliant Opponents Add to West Ham's Miseries

West Ham were accommodating visitors, adding to their own demise. First, ex- Wolves captain Max Kilman was unable to make a simple clearance from a cross, letting Mané to intervene, before being brought down by Soungoutou Magassa in the box. The 18-year-old player, formerly of Rochdale, emerged as the most influential figure on the pitch. Hwang took responsibility to convert the subsequent penalty, doubling the advantage. Tongue-in-cheek chants of "We're going to win the league" echoed around Molineux.

Lacking confidence and ideas, West Ham were drifting away from the game despite dominating the ball, registering just a single attempt in the opening period.

The away side's woes were compounded shortly before halftime. The confident Mané, a youth among nervous senior players, spun exquisitely, drove infield from the left flank, and unleashed a driven shot into the far corner from outside the box for his maiden professional goal. Finally, the Wolves supporters were enjoying themselves.

Ineffective Second-Half Comeback Attempt

With little to lose, coach Nuno introduced a double substitution at the interval and switched to a offensive 3-4-3 shape. Yet, star forward Jarrod Bowen was quiet, and even introduction of Crysencio Summerville did not generate the required spark.

A lingering sense of nervousness still clouded Wolves' decision-making, uncertain whether to hoof the ball to safety or play out from the back. But, they need not have worried against such meek opponents. West Ham's inherent failings became increasingly obvious as they created very little of substance in the attacking areas.

Crucial Fixtures On the Horizon

Ultimately, Wolves looked like the sole side capable of increasing the tally, and West Ham will be thankful the embarrassment was not greater. Focus now shifts to a critical midweek encounter at home to relegation-threatened Nottingham Forest, a match essential in the fight for top-flight safety. Based on this evidence, West Ham should have cause to be afraid.