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This latest defeat marks another embarrassing chapter in a troubled season for West Ham, increasing major doubts about the prospects of their manager. The Hammers became the first team to fall to Wolves this term, enabling the Midlands side to double their league points and lift their hopes of evading a place in the history books as the least successful team in Premier League history.

Dominant Opening Performance Secures Historic Triumph

Fewer than four minutes into the match, Wolves were able to give the impression of finding some resolution. The energetic Hwang Hee-chan provided a glimpse of his rejuvenated form with a lengthy run before turning provider thanks to sharp link-up play with Mateus Mané. His cut-back found an unmarked Jhon Arias, who slid home from close range to give Wolves a home lead for the first time since early October. Energy was evident equally on the field and in the terraces, a rarity for most of the season.

Facing a side terribly out of form and missing key player Lucas Paquetá through injury, this was the hosts' best chance for a win this season. At first unnerved by taking the lead, Wolves chose to protect it fiercely, falling deep with all men behind the ball from an early stage.

Generous Guests Compound West Ham's Miseries

West Ham proved generous visitors, contributing to their own demise. First, ex- Wolves captain Max Kilman was unable to make a simple clearance from a cross, allowing Mané to intervene, before being fouled by Soungoutou Magassa in the penalty area. The teenage midfielder, formerly of Rochdale, was proving the most influential man on the pitch. Hwang took responsibility to convert the resulting spot-kick, extending the lead. Ironic chants of "We will win the league" rang around Molineux.

Lacking confidence and ideas, West Ham were drifting away from the contest even with dominating the ball, managing just a solitary attempt in the opening period.

The away side's woes deepened just prior to halftime. The fearless Mané, a youngster among nervous senior players, turned exquisitely, drove infield from the left flank, and unleashed a low shot into the bottom corner from outside the box for his first senior goal. Finally, the home fans could enjoy themselves.

Ineffective Second Period Response

With little to lose, manager Nuno introduced a two substitution at the interval and switched to a offensive 3-4-3 shape. Yet, star forward Jarrod Bowen remained muted, and even introduction of Crysencio Summerville failed to provide the required spark.

A lingering sense of nervousness continued to clouded Wolves' judgment, uncertain whether to clear the ball to safety or build from the back. But, they had no need to been concerned against such passive resistance. West Ham's own deficiencies became painfully apparent as they created nothing of note in the final third.

Critical Matches Lie Ahead

Ultimately, Wolves looked like the only side capable of increasing the tally, and West Ham will be thankful the embarrassment was not more severe. Attention now turns to a pivotal midweek encounter at home to relegation-threatened Nottingham Forest, a match vital in the battle for top-flight safety. On this showing, the Hammers should have cause to be afraid.