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This latest defeat marks one more embarrassing episode in a troubled season for West Ham, raising significant doubts about the prospects of their manager. The London club became the initial team to fall to Wolves this term, allowing the West Midlands side to double their points tally and boost their aspirations of evading a place in the history books as the worst team in Premier League history.

Dominant First-Half Display Seals Long-Awaited Triumph

Within the first four minutes into the match, Wolves managed to show signs of discovering much-needed resolution. The lively Hwang Hee-chan provided a glimpse of his rejuvenated form with a lengthy run before laying on an assist following neat link-up 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 early October. Vibrancy could be felt equally on the field and in the stands, a sight for much of the term.

Facing a team woefully out of form and missing key talent Lucas Paquetá due to injury, this was the home side's best opportunity for a win to date. At first confused by being ahead, Wolves chose to defend it doggedly, falling back with all players behind the ball from an early stage.

Generous Guests Add to Their Own Miseries

West Ham were accommodating visitors, contributing to their own downfall. First, ex- Wolves captain Max Kilman failed to make a routine clearance from a cross, letting Mané to pounce, only to be fouled by Soungoutou Magassa in the box. The teenage player, once of Rochdale, emerged as the key man on the pitch. Hwang took responsibility to score the subsequent spot-kick, doubling the advantage. Ironic chants of "We're going to win the league" rang around Molineux.

Short on belief and ideas, West Ham drifted out of the contest despite dominating the ball, registering just a single attempt in the first half.

The visitors' frustrations deepened just prior to halftime. The confident Mané, a youngster among trepidatious senior players, spun beautifully, cut in from the left, and fired a low shot into the bottom corner from outside the box for his maiden professional goal. Finally, the home supporters could enjoy themselves.

Fruitless Second Period Comeback Attempt

With nothing to lose, manager Nuno made a double substitution at half-time and altered to a offensive 3-4-3 shape. Yet, key forward Jarrod Bowen was quiet, and the introduction of Crysencio Summerville did not provide the required threat.

A lingering sense of nervousness still affected Wolves' judgment, unsure whether to clear the ball long or build patiently. But, they had no need to been concerned against such meek resistance. West Ham's own deficiencies were increasingly obvious as they produced nothing of note in the final third.

Crucial Fixtures On the Horizon

Ultimately, Wolves were the sole side capable of adding to the scoreline, and West Ham will be relieved the embarrassment was not greater. Attention now turns to a pivotal Tuesday fixture at home to relegation-threatened Nottingham Forest, a match essential in the fight for top-flight survival. Based on this evidence, the Hammers should have cause to be very worried.