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This latest loss marks a further embarrassing chapter in an difficult season for West Ham, raising major doubts about the future of their manager. The London club had the misfortune of becoming the first team to succumb to Wolves this term, allowing the Midlands outfit to increase their league points and lift their aspirations of evading the tag in the history books as the worst team in Premier League history.

Dominant First-Half Performance Seals Historic Triumph

Within four minutes of the match, Wolves were able to show signs of discovering some confidence. The lively Hwang Hee-chan provided a glimpse of his revitalised form with a lengthy run before turning provider following sharp combination 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. Energy could be felt both on the field and in the terraces, a sight for much of the term.

Facing a side woefully out of form and missing creative talent Lucas Paquetá due to injury, this was the home side's best opportunity for a victory to date. Initially confused by being ahead, Wolves chose to protect it fiercely, falling back with eleven players behind the ball early on.

Compliant Guests Add to Their Own Miseries

West Ham proved generous visitors, adding to their own downfall. First, former Wolves captain Max Kilman was unable to make a routine clearance from a cross, letting Mané to intervene, before being fouled by Soungoutou Magassa in the box. The teenage player, once of Rochdale, was proving the key man on the field. Hwang took responsibility to convert the resulting spot-kick, doubling the lead. Ironic chants of "We're going to win the league" echoed around Molineux.

Short on belief and ideas, West Ham drifted out of the game despite dominating the ball, registering just a single shot in the opening period.

The away side's woes were compounded shortly before halftime. The confident Mané, a youth among trepidatious senior players, turned exquisitely, drove infield from the left flank, and unleashed a driven effort into the bottom corner from 18 yards for his first senior goal. Finally, the Wolves fans were enjoying themselves.

Ineffective Second Period Comeback Attempt

With little to lose, coach Nuno introduced a double change at half-time and switched to a offensive 3-4-3 formation. However, star forward Jarrod Bowen remained muted, and the introduction of Crysencio Summerville did not generate the necessary threat.

A persistent feeling of anxiety still clouded Wolves' decision-making, uncertain whether to clear the ball to safety or play out from the back. But, they had no need to worried against such meek resistance. West Ham's inherent failings were painfully obvious as they produced nothing of substance in the final third.

Crucial Fixtures On the Horizon

In the end, Wolves were the only side likely of adding to the scoreline, and West Ham will be relieved the damage was not greater. Focus now shifts to a pivotal midweek fixture at home to 17th-placed Nottingham Forest, a match essential in the battle for top-flight survival. Based on this showing, the Hammers should have every reason to be afraid.