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This latest defeat constitutes a further demoralizing episode in a torrid season for West Ham, increasing major doubts about the prospects of their manager. The London club became the first team to fall to Wolves in this campaign, enabling the Midlands outfit to increase their points tally and boost their aspirations of evading a place in the record books as the worst team in Premier League history.

Dominant Opening Display Seals Long-Awaited Win

Fewer than the first four minutes into the match, Wolves managed to demonstrate of finding much-needed resolve. The energetic Hwang Hee-chan offered a glimpse of his rejuvenated abilities with a lengthy run before turning provider thanks to neat combination play with Mateus Mané. His pull-back found an untracked Jhon Arias, who tapped in from close range to give Wolves a lead at Molineux for the first time since October. Energy was evident equally on the pitch and in the stands, a rarity for much of the season.

Facing a team woefully short on confidence and missing creative talent Lucas Paquetá through injury, this represented the hosts' best chance for a victory to date. At first confused by being ahead, Wolves chose to protect it doggedly, falling back with all men behind the ball from an early stage.

Generous Opponents Compound Their Own Problems

West Ham were accommodating visitors, adding to their own downfall. First, ex- Wolves captain Max Kilman was unable to execute a routine clearance from a cross, allowing Mané to pounce, only to be brought down by Soungoutou Magassa inside the penalty area. The 18-year-old midfielder, once of Rochdale, emerged as the most influential man on the pitch. Hwang took responsibility to score the subsequent penalty, doubling the lead. Tongue-in-cheek chants of "We're going to win the league" echoed around Molineux.

Lacking belief and ideas, West Ham drifted away from the game despite dominating the ball, managing just a single attempt in the opening period.

The visitors' woes deepened shortly before halftime. The confident Mané, a youngster among nervous adults, spun beautifully, drove infield from the left flank, and unleashed a driven shot into the far corner from outside the box for his maiden senior goal. Finally, the home supporters could enjoy themselves.

Fruitless Second Period Response

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

A persistent sense of anxiety still affected Wolves' judgment, unsure whether to hoof the ball long or build patiently. But, they need not have been concerned against such passive opponents. West Ham's inherent failings became increasingly apparent as they produced very little of substance in the final third.

Crucial Fixtures Lie Ahead

In the end, Wolves looked like the only side capable of increasing the tally, and West Ham will be thankful the embarrassment was not more severe. Focus now shifts to a pivotal midweek encounter at home to 17th-placed Nottingham Forest, a match essential in the fight for Premier League survival. Based on this showing, the Hammers should have cause to be afraid.