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This latest setback marks a further embarrassing chapter in a troubled season for West Ham, raising major doubts about the prospects of their manager. The London club had the misfortune of becoming the first team to fall to Wolves this term, allowing the Midlands side to double their points tally and boost their hopes of evading a place in the record books as the least successful team in Premier League annals.

Dominant First-Half Display Secures Historic Win

Fewer than four minutes into the match, Wolves managed to demonstrate of finding much-needed resolution. The energetic Hwang Hee-chan offered a taste of his rejuvenated abilities with a long run before turning provider following neat link-up 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 could be felt both on the field and in the stands, a sight for much of the term.

Facing a side terribly short on confidence and deprived of creative talent Lucas Paquetá due to injury, this represented the hosts' clearest opportunity for a victory to date. At first confused by being ahead, Wolves chose to protect it fiercely, falling back with all men behind the ball early on.

Generous Guests Add to Their Own Miseries

West Ham were generous guests, contributing to their own demise. First, ex- Wolves captain Max Kilman failed to execute a routine clearance from a cross, letting Mané to pounce, only to be brought down by Soungoutou Magassa inside the box. The 18-year-old midfielder, formerly of Rochdale, was proving the key figure on the pitch. Hwang stepped up to score the resulting spot-kick, doubling the advantage. Ironic chants of "We're going to win the league" rang around Molineux.

Lacking confidence and ideas, West Ham were drifting out of the contest despite controlling the ball, managing just a solitary attempt in the first half.

The away side's woes were compounded shortly before halftime. The fearless Mané, a youth among nervous adults, turned exquisitely, drove infield from the left, and fired a low effort into the far corner from 18 yards for his maiden professional goal. At last, the Wolves fans could enjoy themselves.

Ineffective Second Period Response

With little to lose, coach Nuno made a double change at half-time and altered to a offensive 3-4-3 formation. However, key attacker Jarrod Bowen was muted, and even introduction of Crysencio Summerville failed to generate the necessary threat.

A persistent feeling of nervousness still clouded Wolves' decision-making, unsure whether to clear the ball to safety or play out from the back. But, they need not have been concerned against such meek resistance. West Ham's inherent failings were increasingly obvious as they created very little of substance in the attacking areas.

Critical Matches Lie Ahead

In the end, Wolves looked like the sole side capable of increasing the scoreline, and West Ham will be relieved the damage was not greater. Focus now turns to a pivotal midweek encounter at home to relegation-threatened Nottingham Forest, a match essential in the fight for Premier League safety. Based on this showing, the Hammers should have every reason to be very worried.