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This latest setback represents another embarrassing chapter in a troubled season for West Ham, increasing major doubts about the future of their manager. The London club became the first team to lose to Wolves in this campaign, allowing the Midlands team to double their points tally and boost their hopes of avoiding the tag in the record books as the worst team in Premier League annals.

Commanding Opening Display Secures Historic Triumph

Within the first four minutes of the match, Wolves managed to show signs of finding some resolution. The lively Hwang Hee-chan provided a glimpse of his revitalised abilities with a long run before turning provider thanks to neat link-up play with Mateus Mané. His cut-back found an unmarked Jhon Arias, who slid home from close range to give Wolves a home lead for the first time since October. Energy was evident equally on the field and in the terraces, a rarity for most of the season.

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

Generous Opponents Add to West Ham's Miseries

West Ham proved accommodating visitors, contributing to their own demise. First, former Wolves captain Max Kilman was unable to make a simple clearance from a cross, letting Mané to intervene, before being brought down by Soungoutou Magassa in the box. The teenage player, once of Rochdale, emerged as the key figure on the field. Hwang took responsibility to score the resulting spot-kick, doubling the advantage. Tongue-in-cheek chants of "We're going to win the league" echoed around Molineux.

Lacking confidence and inspiration, West Ham drifted away from the contest despite dominating possession, registering just a solitary shot in the opening period.

The visitors' frustrations deepened just prior to halftime. The fearless Mané, a youth among nervous senior players, spun beautifully, cut in from the left, and unleashed a driven effort into the bottom corner from 18 yards for his first senior goal. At last, the home supporters were enjoying themselves.

Fruitless Second Period Response

With nothing to lose, coach Nuno introduced a double change at the interval and altered to a more attacking 3-4-3 formation. Yet, key attacker Jarrod Bowen remained quiet, and the introduction of Crysencio Summerville did not provide the necessary threat.

A persistent feeling of nervousness still affected Wolves' decision-making, uncertain whether to hoof the ball to safety or build patiently. But, they need not have been concerned against such passive opponents. West Ham's inherent deficiencies became painfully apparent as they created very little of note in the final third.

Crucial Fixtures Lie Ahead

Ultimately, Wolves were the only side capable of adding to the scoreline, and West Ham will be thankful the embarrassment was not more severe. Focus now turns to a critical midweek encounter at home to relegation-threatened Nottingham Forest, a match vital in the battle for top-flight survival. Based on this evidence, West Ham have every reason to be very worried.