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This setback marks another demoralizing chapter in an troubled season for West Ham, raising major doubts about the prospects of their manager. The Hammers had the misfortune of becoming the initial team to succumb to Wolves in this campaign, enabling the West Midlands side to double their points tally and lift their aspirations of avoiding the tag in the history books as the worst team in Premier League history.

Commanding First-Half Performance Seals Long-Awaited Victory

Within four minutes of the match, Wolves were able to give the impression of finding much-needed resolve. The energetic Hwang Hee-chan provided a taste of his rejuvenated abilities with a long run before laying on an assist following sharp combination play with Mateus Mané. The resulting cut-back found an unmarked Jhon Arias, who tapped in from close range to give Wolves a home lead for the first time since October. Vibrancy was evident equally on the field and in the terraces, a rarity for much of the season.

Facing a side terribly out of form and missing key player Lucas Paquetá due to injury, this was the hosts' clearest chance for a victory to date. Initially unnerved by taking the lead, Wolves chose to protect it doggedly, dropping deep with all players behind the ball from an early stage.

Compliant Guests Add to Their Own Miseries

West Ham proved generous guests, contributing to their own demise. 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 inside the box. The teenage player, once of Rochdale, was proving the most influential figure on the field. Hwang took responsibility to score the resulting spot-kick, doubling the lead. Ironic chants of "We will win the league" rang around Molineux.

Short on belief and inspiration, West Ham drifted away from the contest even with controlling the ball, registering just a single attempt in the first half.

The visitors' frustrations were compounded shortly before halftime. The confident Mané, a youngster among nervous adults, spun beautifully, cut in from the left, and unleashed a driven effort into the far corner from outside the box for his maiden senior goal. At last, the Wolves supporters were enjoying themselves.

Fruitless Second Period Response

With little to lose, manager Nuno introduced a double substitution at the interval and altered to a more attacking 3-4-3 formation. Yet, star attacker Jarrod Bowen was quiet, and the introduction of Crysencio Summerville failed to generate the necessary threat.

A lingering feeling of anxiety still clouded Wolves' judgment, unsure whether to hoof the ball long or build from the back. However, they had no need to worried against such meek opponents. West Ham's own deficiencies were increasingly apparent as they produced nothing of substance in the attacking areas.

Crucial Fixtures On the Horizon

In the end, Wolves were 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 Tuesday fixture at home to 17th-placed Nottingham Forest, a match essential in the battle for Premier League safety. Based on this evidence, West Ham have cause to be very worried.