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This latest defeat represents another humiliating chapter in a troubled season for West Ham, increasing major doubts about the prospects of their manager. The Hammers had the misfortune of becoming the initial team to fall to Wolves this term, allowing the West Midlands outfit to increase their league points and boost their hopes of evading a place in the record books as the worst team in Premier League history.

Commanding First-Half Display Seals Long-Awaited Win

Within four minutes into the match, Wolves were able to demonstrate of finding some resolution. The energetic Hwang Hee-chan provided a glimpse of his rejuvenated form with a lengthy run before turning provider thanks to neat combination play with Mateus Mané. The resulting cut-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 was evident equally on the field and in the terraces, a sight for much of the term.

Facing a side woefully short on confidence and deprived of creative player Lucas Paquetá through injury, this was the hosts' best opportunity for a victory this season. At first unnerved by being ahead, Wolves chose to defend it doggedly, falling deep with all players behind the ball early on.

Compliant Guests Add to West Ham's Problems

West Ham proved generous guests, contributing to their own downfall. First, ex- Wolves captain Max Kilman was unable to execute a simple clearance from a cross, allowing Mané to pounce, before being fouled by Soungoutou Magassa inside the box. The 18-year-old midfielder, once of Rochdale, was proving the key figure on the field. Hwang stepped up to score the subsequent spot-kick, extending the advantage. Tongue-in-cheek chants of "We're going to win the league" echoed around Molineux.

Short on confidence and ideas, West Ham were drifting out of the game despite controlling possession, managing just a solitary shot in the first half.

The visitors' frustrations deepened shortly before halftime. The confident Mané, a youth among trepidatious senior players, turned exquisitely, cut in from the left flank, and unleashed a low shot into the far corner from outside the box for his first professional goal. Finally, the home fans could enjoy themselves.

Fruitless Second-Half Response

With nothing to lose, manager Nuno made a two substitution at half-time and altered to a more attacking 3-4-3 formation. However, star attacker Jarrod Bowen remained muted, and the introduction of Crysencio Summerville failed to provide the required spark.

A lingering feeling of nervousness continued to affected Wolves' judgment, uncertain whether to clear the ball long or play out from the back. But, they need not have worried against such passive opponents. West Ham's own failings became painfully apparent as they produced nothing of substance in the attacking areas.

Critical Fixtures Lie Ahead

Ultimately, Wolves looked like the only side likely of increasing the tally, and West Ham will be relieved the embarrassment was not greater. Attention now turns to a critical Tuesday fixture at home to relegation-threatened Nottingham Forest, a match essential in the fight for Premier League survival. Based on this showing, the Hammers have every reason to be very worried.