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This defeat constitutes a further embarrassing episode in an troubled season for West Ham, raising major doubts about the future of their manager. The London club had the misfortune of becoming the initial team to fall to Wolves this term, allowing the West Midlands outfit to double their league points and lift their hopes of evading a place in the history books as the worst team in Premier League history.

Commanding First-Half Performance Seals Historic Triumph

Fewer than the first four minutes of the match, Wolves managed to give the impression of finding some resolve. The lively Hwang Hee-chan offered a taste of his revitalised abilities with a long run before laying on an assist thanks to neat link-up play with Mateus Mané. His pull-back found an unmarked Jhon Arias, who tapped in from point-blank range to give Wolves a lead at Molineux for the first time since early October. Vibrancy was evident equally on the pitch and in the stands, a sight for most of the term.

Facing a team terribly out of form and deprived of key player Lucas Paquetá through injury, this represented the hosts' best opportunity for a win this season. Initially unnerved by being ahead, Wolves opted to protect it fiercely, dropping back with all players behind the ball from an early stage.

Generous Guests Add to Their Own Problems

West Ham were accommodating visitors, contributing to their own demise. First, ex- Wolves captain Max Kilman failed to execute a routine clearance from a cross, letting Mané to pounce, only to be brought down by Soungoutou Magassa inside the penalty area. The teenage player, once of Rochdale, emerged as the key figure on the field. Hwang stepped up to convert the resulting penalty, extending the advantage. Ironic chants of "We will win the league" rang around Molineux.

Short on confidence and ideas, West Ham drifted away from the contest despite dominating the ball, managing just a solitary attempt in the first half.

The away side's woes were compounded just prior to halftime. The confident Mané, a youth among trepidatious adults, turned beautifully, cut in from the left flank, and fired a low shot into the far corner from 18 yards for his maiden professional goal. Finally, the Wolves fans could enjoy themselves.

Ineffective Second Period Comeback Attempt

With nothing to lose, manager Nuno made a two substitution at half-time and switched to a offensive 3-4-3 shape. Yet, star attacker Jarrod Bowen was quiet, and even introduction of Crysencio Summerville did not provide the necessary threat.

A lingering feeling of anxiety still clouded Wolves' judgment, unsure whether to clear the ball long or build patiently. However, they need not have been concerned against such passive opponents. West Ham's inherent deficiencies became painfully apparent as they created nothing of note in the final third.

Critical Matches On the Horizon

In the end, Wolves looked like the only side capable of increasing the tally, and West Ham will be relieved the embarrassment was not more severe. Focus now turns to a critical midweek fixture at home to 17th-placed Nottingham Forest, a match vital in the battle for Premier League survival. Based on this evidence, West Ham should have cause to be afraid.