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This defeat marks one more embarrassing chapter in a troubled season for West Ham, raising significant questions about the prospects of their manager. The Hammers became the initial team to lose to Wolves this term, enabling the Midlands side to double their league points and lift their aspirations of avoiding the tag in the history books as the least successful team in Premier League annals.

Dominant First-Half Display Seals Historic Triumph

Fewer than four minutes of the match, Wolves managed to give the impression of discovering some resolution. The lively Hwang Hee-chan offered a glimpse of his revitalised form with a long run before laying on an assist thanks to neat combination play with Mateus Mané. The resulting pull-back found an untracked Jhon Arias, who tapped in from close range to give Wolves a home lead for the first time since October. Energy could be felt both on the field and in the terraces, a sight for most of the term.

Facing a team terribly short on confidence and missing key talent Lucas Paquetá through injury, this was the hosts' best chance for a win to date. At first unnerved by taking the lead, Wolves opted to protect it fiercely, falling back with all players behind the ball from an early stage.

Generous Guests Add to Their Own Problems

West Ham were accommodating visitors, adding to their own downfall. First, ex- Wolves captain Max Kilman failed to make a simple clearance from a cross, allowing Mané to pounce, only to be fouled by Soungoutou Magassa in the penalty area. The 18-year-old midfielder, formerly of Rochdale, was proving the most influential figure on the field. Hwang took responsibility to convert the resulting penalty, extending the lead. Ironic chants of "We will win the league" rang around Molineux.

Lacking belief and ideas, West Ham were drifting out of the game despite controlling the ball, registering just a solitary shot in the first half.

The visitors' woes were compounded shortly before halftime. The confident Mané, a youngster among nervous adults, turned exquisitely, drove infield from the left flank, and fired a low effort into the far corner from 18 yards for his first senior goal. At last, the home fans were enjoying themselves.

Fruitless Second-Half Response

With nothing to lose, coach Nuno made a double change at the interval and switched to a offensive 3-4-3 formation. Yet, key forward Jarrod Bowen was quiet, and even introduction of Crysencio Summerville failed to generate the necessary threat.

A persistent feeling of nervousness still clouded Wolves' decision-making, unsure whether to hoof the ball to safety or play out from the back. However, they had no need to been concerned against such meek opponents. West Ham's inherent deficiencies became painfully apparent as they created nothing of substance in the attacking areas.

Crucial Fixtures Lie Ahead

In the end, Wolves looked like the only side likely of adding to the tally, and West Ham will be thankful the embarrassment was not more severe. Attention now shifts to a critical Tuesday fixture at home to relegation-threatened Nottingham Forest, a match vital in the fight for top-flight safety. Based on this evidence, the Hammers have every reason to be afraid.