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This latest setback marks another humiliating episode in an torrid season for West Ham, raising serious doubts about the prospects of their manager. The Hammers had the misfortune of becoming the first team to succumb to Wolves in this campaign, allowing the West Midlands team to double their points tally and boost their aspirations of evading the tag in the record books as the worst team in Premier League history.

Dominant First-Half Display Seals Historic Win

Fewer than the first four minutes of the match, Wolves managed to demonstrate of discovering much-needed resolve. The energetic Hwang Hee-chan offered a taste of his rejuvenated form with a long run before turning provider following neat combination play with Mateus Mané. The resulting pull-back found an unmarked Jhon Arias, who tapped in from point-blank range to give Wolves a home lead for the first time since early October. Vibrancy was evident equally on the field and in the stands, a sight for much of the season.

Facing a side woefully short on confidence and missing key talent Lucas Paquetá due to injury, this was the hosts' best opportunity for a victory this season. At first confused by taking the lead, Wolves chose to protect it doggedly, falling back with all men behind the ball early on.

Compliant Opponents Add to West Ham's Problems

West Ham were accommodating guests, adding to their own downfall. First, ex- Wolves captain Max Kilman failed to execute a routine clearance from a cross, letting Mané to intervene, only to be 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 convert the subsequent penalty, extending the lead. Ironic chants of "We're going to win the league" rang around Molineux.

Lacking confidence and ideas, West Ham drifted away from the contest even with controlling possession, registering just a single shot in the first half.

The visitors' frustrations were compounded just prior to halftime. The fearless Mané, a youngster among trepidatious adults, turned exquisitely, drove infield from the left, and unleashed a driven effort into the bottom corner from 18 yards for his first senior goal. Finally, the home fans were enjoying themselves.

Fruitless Second-Half Response

With little to lose, manager Nuno introduced a double substitution at the interval and switched to a offensive 3-4-3 formation. However, star forward Jarrod Bowen was muted, and even introduction of Crysencio Summerville did not generate the required threat.

A lingering feeling of nervousness still affected Wolves' judgment, uncertain whether to clear the ball to safety or build from the back. However, they need not have been concerned against such passive opponents. West Ham's own deficiencies were painfully obvious as they produced very little of substance in the final third.

Critical Matches Lie Ahead

Ultimately, Wolves looked like the sole side likely of adding to the tally, and West Ham will be relieved the embarrassment was not greater. Attention now shifts to a pivotal midweek fixture at home to relegation-threatened Nottingham Forest, a match vital in the fight for Premier League survival. On this showing, West Ham have cause to be very worried.