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This latest loss marks another humiliating chapter in a troubled season for West Ham, raising major doubts about the future of their manager. The Hammers became the initial team to succumb to Wolves in this campaign, enabling the West Midlands outfit to increase their league points and boost their aspirations of avoiding the tag in the record books as the worst team in Premier League annals.

Commanding First-Half Display Seals Long-Awaited Victory

Within four minutes of the match, Wolves managed to demonstrate of finding much-needed resolve. The lively Hwang Hee-chan provided a taste of his revitalised abilities with a long run before laying on an assist following neat combination play with Mateus Mané. The resulting 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. Vibrancy was evident both on the pitch and in the terraces, a rarity for most of the season.

Facing a side terribly out of form and missing key talent Lucas Paquetá due to injury, this was the hosts' best chance for a win to date. At first confused by taking the lead, Wolves opted to defend it doggedly, dropping deep with eleven men behind the ball from an early stage.

Compliant Guests Add to Their Own Miseries

West Ham were generous guests, contributing to their own demise. First, former Wolves captain Max Kilman was unable to execute a simple clearance from a cross, allowing Mané to intervene, only to be brought down by Soungoutou Magassa in the box. The 18-year-old midfielder, formerly of Rochdale, emerged as the key figure on the pitch. Hwang took responsibility to score the subsequent penalty, doubling the advantage. Ironic chants of "We will win the league" echoed around Molineux.

Short on confidence and ideas, West Ham drifted out of the game despite controlling possession, registering just a solitary shot in the opening period.

The away side's frustrations were compounded shortly before halftime. The confident Mané, a youngster among nervous senior players, spun exquisitely, drove infield from the left flank, and fired a driven shot into the bottom corner from 18 yards for his first senior goal. At last, the home supporters could enjoy themselves.

Ineffective Second-Half Comeback Attempt

With nothing to lose, manager Nuno made a two change at half-time and switched to a offensive 3-4-3 shape. Yet, key forward Jarrod Bowen was quiet, and even introduction of Crysencio Summerville failed to generate the necessary spark.

A lingering sense of nervousness still affected Wolves' judgment, unsure whether to hoof the ball to safety or build from the back. But, they need not have worried against such meek resistance. West Ham's inherent deficiencies became increasingly apparent as they created nothing of substance in the final third.

Crucial Fixtures On the Horizon

In the end, Wolves looked like the only side capable of adding to the scoreline, and West Ham will be relieved the embarrassment was not more severe. Attention now turns to a pivotal midweek fixture at home to relegation-threatened Nottingham Forest, a match essential in the battle for Premier League survival. Based on this showing, the Hammers have cause to be very worried.