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This setback represents another embarrassing episode in an troubled season for West Ham, increasing significant questions about the prospects of their manager. The Hammers had the misfortune of becoming the initial team to lose to Wolves this term, allowing the West Midlands outfit to double their league points and boost their aspirations of evading the tag in the history books as the worst team in Premier League history.

Dominant First-Half Display Secures Long-Awaited Triumph

Fewer than the first four minutes into the match, Wolves were able to give the impression of discovering some resolution. The lively Hwang Hee-chan provided a taste of his revitalised abilities with a long run before laying on an assist following neat combination play with Mateus Mané. The resulting pull-back found an untracked Jhon Arias, who slid home from point-blank range to give Wolves a lead at Molineux for the first time since October. Vibrancy could be felt both on the pitch and in the stands, a sight for most of the term.

Facing a side terribly out of form and deprived of key player Lucas Paquetá through injury, this represented the home side's best chance for a victory this season. Initially unnerved by taking the lead, Wolves chose to protect it fiercely, falling deep with eleven players behind the ball from an early stage.

Generous Opponents Compound West Ham's Problems

West Ham were generous guests, contributing to their own downfall. First, ex- Wolves captain Max Kilman failed to execute a routine clearance from a cross, letting Mané to intervene, before being brought down by Soungoutou Magassa inside the penalty area. The teenage midfielder, formerly of Rochdale, emerged as the key man on the field. Hwang stepped up to score the subsequent penalty, extending 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 game despite dominating the ball, registering just a single attempt in the first half.

The visitors' woes deepened shortly before halftime. The fearless Mané, a youth among nervous senior players, spun beautifully, cut in from the left, and unleashed a low shot into the bottom corner from 18 yards for his first professional goal. At last, the home supporters were enjoying themselves.

Fruitless Second Period Comeback Attempt

With nothing to lose, coach Nuno made a two substitution at half-time and switched to a offensive 3-4-3 shape. Yet, key attacker Jarrod Bowen remained quiet, and even introduction of Crysencio Summerville did not provide the required threat.

A persistent sense of nervousness continued to clouded Wolves' judgment, unsure whether to hoof the ball to safety or play out patiently. But, they need not have worried against such meek opponents. West Ham's inherent failings were increasingly apparent as they produced very little of substance in the attacking areas.

Critical Fixtures Lie Ahead

Ultimately, Wolves looked like the sole side likely of increasing the tally, and West Ham will be thankful the damage was not greater. Focus now turns to a critical midweek encounter at home to 17th-placed Nottingham Forest, a match essential in the battle for top-flight survival. On this evidence, the Hammers should have every reason to be very worried.