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This latest loss marks another demoralizing episode in a torrid season for West Ham, raising major questions about the prospects of their manager. The Hammers became the first team to fall to Wolves in this campaign, allowing the West Midlands outfit to double their points tally and boost their aspirations of avoiding the tag in the history books as the worst team in Premier League annals.

Dominant Opening Performance Secures Long-Awaited Triumph

Fewer than the first four minutes of the match, Wolves were able to show signs of finding some confidence. The lively Hwang Hee-chan offered a taste of his revitalised abilities with a long run before turning provider thanks to sharp link-up play with Mateus Mané. His pull-back found an unmarked Jhon Arias, who tapped in from close range to give Wolves a home lead for the first time since early October. Energy was evident equally on the pitch and in the terraces, a sight for much of the season.

Facing a side woefully short on confidence and deprived of key talent Lucas Paquetá due to injury, this was the home side's clearest chance for a victory this season. Initially confused by taking the lead, Wolves opted to protect it fiercely, dropping deep with all men behind the ball early on.

Compliant Opponents Add to West Ham's Problems

West Ham proved accommodating visitors, adding to their own downfall. First, ex- Wolves captain Max Kilman was unable to execute a routine clearance from a cross, letting Mané to intervene, only to be brought down by Soungoutou Magassa inside the box. The teenage midfielder, once of Rochdale, emerged as the key figure on the pitch. Hwang took responsibility to score the resulting spot-kick, extending the advantage. Tongue-in-cheek chants of "We're going to win the league" rang around Molineux.

Short on belief and inspiration, West Ham drifted away from the game even with dominating possession, managing just a solitary attempt in the opening period.

The away side's woes were compounded shortly before halftime. The confident Mané, a youngster among nervous senior players, turned exquisitely, cut in from the left, and fired a low effort into the bottom corner from outside the box for his maiden senior goal. At last, the Wolves fans were enjoying themselves.

Fruitless Second-Half Response

With nothing to lose, coach Nuno made a two change at half-time and switched to a offensive 3-4-3 formation. Yet, star forward Jarrod Bowen remained quiet, and even introduction of Crysencio Summerville did not provide the required spark.

A persistent sense of anxiety continued to clouded Wolves' decision-making, unsure whether to hoof the ball to safety or play out from the back. But, they need not have worried against such passive opponents. West Ham's own deficiencies were painfully apparent as they produced very little of substance in the attacking areas.

Critical Fixtures Lie Ahead

Ultimately, Wolves were the sole side capable of increasing the tally, and West Ham will be relieved the embarrassment was not greater. Focus now turns to a pivotal Tuesday encounter at home to 17th-placed Nottingham Forest, a match vital in the fight for top-flight survival. Based on this showing, the Hammers should have cause to be afraid.