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This latest defeat represents one more humiliating episode in an troubled season for West Ham, raising major questions about the prospects of their manager. The London club had the misfortune of becoming the initial team to succumb to Wolves in this campaign, allowing the West Midlands team to double their points tally and lift their hopes of evading a place in the record books as the worst team in Premier League history.

Commanding First-Half Performance Seals Long-Awaited Victory

Within the first four minutes into the match, Wolves were able to show signs of finding much-needed resolution. The lively Hwang Hee-chan offered a taste of his rejuvenated abilities with a lengthy run before laying on an assist thanks to neat link-up play with Mateus Mané. His pull-back found an unmarked Jhon Arias, who slid home from point-blank range to give Wolves a lead at Molineux for the first time since October. Vibrancy was evident both on the field and in the terraces, a rarity for most of the term.

Facing a team terribly short on confidence and missing key player Lucas Paquetá through injury, this represented the home side's clearest chance for a win to date. At first confused by taking the lead, Wolves opted to defend it doggedly, falling back with eleven players behind the ball early on.

Generous Opponents Compound West Ham's Problems

West Ham were accommodating guests, adding to their own downfall. First, ex- Wolves captain Max Kilman failed to execute a simple clearance from a cross, letting Mané to pounce, before being fouled by Soungoutou Magassa in the box. The 18-year-old midfielder, once of Rochdale, was proving the key figure on the field. Hwang took responsibility to score the subsequent penalty, extending the lead. Tongue-in-cheek chants of "We're going to win the league" rang around Molineux.

Lacking belief and ideas, West Ham drifted out of the contest despite controlling possession, managing just a solitary attempt in the first half.

The away side's frustrations were compounded shortly before halftime. The fearless Mané, a youngster among nervous adults, spun beautifully, cut in from the left flank, and unleashed a driven shot into the far corner from outside the box for his first senior goal. Finally, the Wolves fans were enjoying themselves.

Ineffective Second Period Response

With nothing to lose, coach Nuno introduced a double change at the interval and switched to a offensive 3-4-3 shape. Yet, key forward Jarrod Bowen was muted, and the introduction of Crysencio Summerville did not generate the necessary spark.

A persistent feeling of anxiety still clouded Wolves' decision-making, uncertain whether to clear the ball long or play out patiently. But, they had no need to worried against such passive resistance. West Ham's inherent failings became increasingly obvious as they produced nothing of note in the attacking areas.

Critical Matches Lie Ahead

In the end, Wolves looked like the sole side likely of adding to the tally, and West Ham will be thankful the embarrassment was not more severe. Attention now turns to a pivotal Tuesday fixture at home to 17th-placed Nottingham Forest, a match vital in the fight for Premier League safety. Based on this showing, the Hammers should have every reason to be very worried.