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This latest loss marks another embarrassing episode in an difficult season for West Ham, raising major doubts about the future of their manager. The Hammers became the initial team to lose to Wolves in this campaign, enabling the Midlands outfit to double their points tally and boost their hopes of avoiding the tag in the record books as the worst team in Premier League annals.

Dominant First-Half Performance Secures Long-Awaited Victory

Within the first four minutes into the match, Wolves were able to show signs of finding much-needed resolution. The energetic Hwang Hee-chan offered a glimpse of his revitalised form with a long run before turning provider thanks to sharp link-up play with Mateus Mané. The resulting pull-back found an unmarked Jhon Arias, who slid home from point-blank range to give Wolves a lead at Molineux for the first time since early October. Energy was evident equally on the pitch and in the terraces, a sight for most of the season.

Facing a team woefully out of form and deprived of key talent Lucas Paquetá due to injury, this was the home side's best opportunity for a victory to date. At first confused by being ahead, Wolves chose to protect it doggedly, falling deep with eleven players behind the ball from an early stage.

Generous Guests Compound Their Own Problems

West Ham proved accommodating guests, contributing to their own demise. First, former Wolves captain Max Kilman was unable to execute a routine clearance from a cross, allowing Mané to intervene, before being fouled by Soungoutou Magassa in the penalty area. The 18-year-old midfielder, formerly of Rochdale, was proving the most influential man on the pitch. Hwang stepped up to convert the subsequent spot-kick, doubling the advantage. Ironic chants of "We will win the league" rang around Molineux.

Lacking confidence and ideas, West Ham were drifting away from the game even with controlling possession, registering just a single attempt in the opening period.

The visitors' woes were compounded shortly before halftime. The fearless Mané, a youngster among trepidatious adults, turned exquisitely, drove infield from the left, and unleashed a low effort into the bottom corner from outside the box for his first professional goal. At last, the Wolves fans were enjoying themselves.

Ineffective Second Period Comeback Attempt

With little to lose, manager Nuno made a double change at half-time and switched to a offensive 3-4-3 shape. However, key attacker Jarrod Bowen was quiet, and even introduction of Crysencio Summerville did not generate the necessary spark.

A lingering sense of anxiety still affected Wolves' decision-making, uncertain whether to clear the ball long or build patiently. But, they had no need to been concerned against such meek opponents. West Ham's own failings were painfully apparent as they created very little of note in the attacking areas.

Critical Matches On the Horizon

In the end, Wolves were the sole side capable of increasing the scoreline, and West Ham will be relieved the damage was not greater. Attention now turns to a pivotal midweek fixture at home to relegation-threatened Nottingham Forest, a match essential in the battle for top-flight safety. Based on this showing, the Hammers have every reason to be afraid.