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This latest setback constitutes one more demoralizing chapter in an troubled season for West Ham, increasing major doubts about the future of their manager. The Hammers had the misfortune of becoming the first team to succumb to Wolves this term, allowing the West Midlands outfit to increase their league points and lift their aspirations of evading a place in the history books as the worst team in Premier League annals.

Commanding Opening Performance Seals Historic Win

Within four minutes into the match, Wolves managed to give the impression of discovering some resolve. The lively Hwang Hee-chan offered a taste of his rejuvenated abilities with a long run before laying on an assist following neat link-up play with Mateus Mané. His cut-back found an untracked Jhon Arias, who tapped in 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 stands, a rarity for much of the season.

Facing a side terribly short on confidence and missing creative player Lucas Paquetá due to injury, this represented the hosts' best chance for a win to date. At first unnerved by taking the lead, Wolves chose to protect it fiercely, dropping back with eleven players behind the ball early on.

Compliant Opponents 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 simple clearance from a cross, allowing Mané to intervene, before being brought down by Soungoutou Magassa in the box. The 18-year-old midfielder, formerly of Rochdale, emerged as the most influential man on the field. Hwang took responsibility to convert the subsequent penalty, doubling the lead. Ironic chants of "We're going to win the league" echoed around Molineux.

Short on confidence and inspiration, West Ham were drifting away from the game even with dominating possession, managing just a single shot in the opening period.

The visitors' woes deepened shortly before halftime. The confident Mané, a youngster among trepidatious adults, turned exquisitely, drove infield from the left, and unleashed a driven effort into the far corner from outside the box for his first senior goal. Finally, the home supporters were enjoying themselves.

Fruitless Second Period Response

With nothing to lose, coach Nuno made a two change at the interval and switched to a offensive 3-4-3 shape. However, star attacker Jarrod Bowen was muted, and the introduction of Crysencio Summerville did not generate the necessary threat.

A lingering sense of nervousness continued to affected Wolves' judgment, unsure whether to hoof the ball long or play out from the back. However, they need not have worried against such passive resistance. West Ham's inherent deficiencies were increasingly apparent as they produced very little of note in the final third.

Crucial Fixtures Lie Ahead

In the end, Wolves were the sole side likely of increasing the tally, and West Ham will be relieved the damage was not more severe. Attention now shifts to a pivotal midweek encounter at home to 17th-placed Nottingham Forest, a match vital in the battle for Premier League safety. Based on this evidence, West Ham have cause to be very worried.