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This setback marks another demoralizing chapter in an difficult season for West Ham, amplifying serious questions about the future of their manager. The London club had the misfortune of becoming the first team to succumb to Wolves in this campaign, allowing the Midlands outfit to double their league points and boost their aspirations of avoiding the tag in the record books as the least successful team in Premier League history.

Dominant Opening Display Secures Long-Awaited Win

Fewer than four minutes into the match, Wolves managed to give the impression of finding much-needed resolution. The energetic Hwang Hee-chan provided a glimpse of his revitalised form with a long run before turning provider thanks to neat combination play with Mateus Mané. The resulting pull-back found an unmarked Jhon Arias, who slid home from close range to give Wolves a lead at Molineux for the first time since October. Energy could be felt equally on the field and in the terraces, a rarity for much of the term.

Facing a team terribly short on confidence and missing key player Lucas Paquetá through injury, this was the home side's clearest chance for a win this season. At first confused by taking the lead, Wolves opted to protect it doggedly, falling back with eleven men behind the ball from an early stage.

Generous Guests Add to Their Own Miseries

West Ham proved accommodating guests, adding to their own demise. First, ex- Wolves captain Max Kilman was unable to execute a simple clearance from a cross, allowing Mané to intervene, only to be fouled by Soungoutou Magassa in the penalty area. The 18-year-old player, once of Rochdale, was proving the most influential man on the pitch. Hwang stepped up to convert the subsequent spot-kick, doubling the lead. Tongue-in-cheek chants of "We're going to win the league" rang around Molineux.

Lacking confidence and inspiration, West Ham were drifting out of the contest even with dominating the ball, managing just a solitary attempt in the opening period.

The visitors' frustrations were compounded shortly before halftime. The fearless Mané, a youngster among nervous adults, spun exquisitely, cut in from the left, and unleashed a driven shot into the bottom corner from outside the box for his first professional goal. Finally, the Wolves fans could enjoy themselves.

Fruitless Second Period Comeback Attempt

With nothing to lose, manager Nuno introduced a double change at half-time and altered to a offensive 3-4-3 shape. Yet, star attacker Jarrod Bowen remained muted, and even introduction of Crysencio Summerville failed to generate the required threat.

A persistent feeling of nervousness continued to affected Wolves' decision-making, unsure whether to clear the ball long or build from the back. However, they need not have been concerned against such passive resistance. West Ham's inherent deficiencies were increasingly apparent as they produced nothing of substance in the attacking areas.

Critical Matches On the Horizon

Ultimately, Wolves looked like the only side likely of increasing the tally, and West Ham will be relieved the embarrassment was not greater. Focus now turns to a critical Tuesday fixture at home to 17th-placed Nottingham Forest, a match essential in the battle for top-flight survival. Based on this showing, the Hammers have cause to be afraid.