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This defeat constitutes another humiliating chapter in an torrid season for West Ham, increasing major doubts about the future of their manager. The London club became the first team to fall to Wolves this term, allowing the Midlands side to double their league points and lift their aspirations of avoiding the tag 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 revitalised abilities with a long run before turning provider thanks to neat link-up play with Mateus Mané. His cut-back found an untracked Jhon Arias, who tapped in from close range to give Wolves a home lead for the first time since early October. Vibrancy was evident both on the pitch and in the stands, a sight for much of the season.

Facing a team terribly out of form and deprived of creative talent Lucas Paquetá due to injury, this represented the home side's clearest opportunity for a win to date. Initially unnerved by taking the lead, Wolves chose to defend it doggedly, falling back with eleven players behind the ball from an early stage.

Generous Opponents Add to Their Own Miseries

West Ham were generous guests, contributing to their own demise. First, former Wolves captain Max Kilman failed to execute a routine clearance from a cross, allowing Mané to pounce, only to be brought down by Soungoutou Magassa in the penalty area. The teenage player, once of Rochdale, emerged as the key figure on the field. Hwang took responsibility to score the resulting penalty, doubling the advantage. Ironic chants of "We're going to win the league" echoed around Molineux.

Short on confidence and inspiration, West Ham were drifting out of the game despite dominating possession, registering just a solitary attempt in the first half.

The away side's woes deepened just prior to halftime. The fearless Mané, a youth among nervous adults, turned exquisitely, drove infield from the left flank, and fired a driven effort into the bottom corner from outside the box for his first professional goal. At last, the Wolves supporters were enjoying themselves.

Ineffective Second-Half Comeback Attempt

With little to lose, coach Nuno introduced a double change at half-time and altered to a more attacking 3-4-3 shape. However, key attacker Jarrod Bowen remained muted, and the introduction of Crysencio Summerville did not generate the required spark.

A lingering sense of anxiety continued to affected Wolves' decision-making, uncertain whether to clear the ball to safety or play out patiently. However, they had no need to worried against such passive resistance. West Ham's own deficiencies became painfully apparent as they created very little of substance in the final third.

Crucial Matches Lie Ahead

Ultimately, Wolves looked like the sole side capable of increasing the scoreline, and West Ham will be relieved the damage was not greater. Focus now turns to a critical midweek fixture at home to 17th-placed Nottingham Forest, a match vital in the fight for top-flight safety. On this showing, the Hammers have cause to be afraid.