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This loss represents a further embarrassing episode in a torrid season for West Ham, increasing major 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 West Midlands outfit to double their league points and lift their hopes of avoiding the tag in the history books as the least successful team in Premier League history.

Commanding First-Half Performance Seals Long-Awaited Win

Within four minutes of the match, Wolves managed to show signs of finding some resolution. The energetic Hwang Hee-chan offered a taste of his revitalised form with a long run before laying on an assist thanks to neat link-up play with Mateus Mané. His 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. Energy was evident equally on the field and in the terraces, a rarity for much of the season.

Facing a team terribly short on confidence and missing creative player Lucas Paquetá through injury, this was the home side's best chance for a victory to date. Initially unnerved by taking the lead, Wolves opted to defend it doggedly, dropping deep with eleven men behind the ball early on.

Compliant Opponents Add to Their Own Miseries

West Ham were generous visitors, contributing to their own downfall. First, ex- Wolves captain Max Kilman was unable to execute a simple clearance from a cross, letting Mané to intervene, before being brought down by Soungoutou Magassa inside the box. The teenage player, formerly of Rochdale, emerged as the key man on the pitch. Hwang took responsibility to score the resulting spot-kick, doubling the advantage. Ironic chants of "We're going to win the league" rang around Molineux.

Short on confidence and inspiration, West Ham drifted out of the contest despite dominating possession, managing just a solitary shot in the opening period.

The visitors' woes deepened shortly before halftime. The confident Mané, a youth among trepidatious adults, turned exquisitely, drove infield from the left, and fired a driven effort into the far corner from 18 yards for his maiden senior goal. At last, the home supporters could enjoy themselves.

Ineffective Second Period Response

With little to lose, manager Nuno made a double change at half-time and altered to a more attacking 3-4-3 formation. However, star attacker Jarrod Bowen was quiet, and the introduction of Crysencio Summerville failed to provide the necessary threat.

A lingering sense of nervousness still clouded Wolves' judgment, uncertain whether to clear the ball long or play out patiently. However, they need not have been concerned against such meek resistance. West Ham's own failings were painfully obvious as they produced nothing of note in the final third.

Crucial Matches On the Horizon

Ultimately, Wolves looked like the only side likely of adding to the scoreline, and West Ham will be thankful the embarrassment was not more severe. Attention now turns to a pivotal Tuesday encounter at home to 17th-placed Nottingham Forest, a match vital in the fight for Premier League survival. On this showing, the Hammers should have every reason to be very worried.