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This latest defeat represents one more demoralizing chapter in an torrid season for West Ham, increasing serious doubts about the future of their manager. The London club had the misfortune of becoming the first team to fall to Wolves in this campaign, enabling the Midlands team to double their points tally and lift their aspirations of avoiding a place in the history books as the worst team in Premier League history.

Dominant First-Half Performance Seals Long-Awaited Triumph

Within four minutes of the match, Wolves were able to show signs of discovering some resolve. The energetic Hwang Hee-chan provided a glimpse of his revitalised abilities with a long run before turning provider following neat link-up play with Mateus Mané. His pull-back found an untracked Jhon Arias, who slid home from close range to give Wolves a home lead for the first time since October. Vibrancy was evident both on the field and in the stands, a sight for much of the season.

Facing a team terribly short on confidence and deprived of key player Lucas Paquetá due to injury, this represented the home side's clearest chance for a win this season. Initially unnerved by being ahead, Wolves chose to defend it doggedly, falling deep with all men behind the ball early on.

Generous Guests Compound Their Own Miseries

West Ham proved accommodating visitors, adding to their own downfall. First, ex- Wolves captain Max Kilman was unable to make a routine clearance from a cross, allowing Mané to pounce, before being brought down by Soungoutou Magassa inside the box. The 18-year-old player, once of Rochdale, was proving the key figure on the field. Hwang took responsibility to score the resulting penalty, extending the advantage. Ironic chants of "We're going to win the league" echoed around Molineux.

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

The away side's frustrations deepened just prior to halftime. The confident Mané, a youngster among trepidatious adults, turned exquisitely, cut in from the left, and unleashed a driven shot into the far corner from 18 yards for his first senior goal. At last, the Wolves supporters could enjoy themselves.

Fruitless Second Period Comeback Attempt

With little to lose, coach Nuno introduced a double substitution at half-time and switched to a more attacking 3-4-3 formation. Yet, star attacker Jarrod Bowen remained muted, and even introduction of Crysencio Summerville did not provide the required threat.

A lingering sense of nervousness continued to affected Wolves' judgment, uncertain whether to hoof the ball long or play out from the back. But, they need not have been concerned against such meek opponents. West Ham's inherent deficiencies were painfully apparent as they created nothing of note in the final third.

Crucial Fixtures On the Horizon

In the end, Wolves were the only side capable of adding to the scoreline, and West Ham will be thankful the damage was not more severe. Attention now turns to a critical Tuesday encounter at home to relegation-threatened Nottingham Forest, a match essential in the battle for Premier League safety. Based on this evidence, West Ham should have cause to be afraid.