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This defeat represents a further humiliating episode in a torrid season for West Ham, amplifying serious questions about the future of their manager. The Hammers became the first team to succumb to Wolves in this campaign, allowing the Midlands team to double their league points and boost their aspirations of avoiding the tag in the record books as the worst team in Premier League annals.

Dominant Opening Display Secures Long-Awaited Triumph

Fewer than the first four minutes into the match, Wolves were able to show signs of discovering some resolve. The lively Hwang Hee-chan provided a glimpse of his revitalised form with a long run before laying on an assist thanks to sharp link-up play with Mateus Mané. The resulting cut-back found an untracked Jhon Arias, who tapped in from point-blank range to give Wolves a home lead for the first time since early October. Vibrancy could be felt equally on the pitch and in the stands, a sight for most of the term.

Facing a side woefully out of form and deprived of key talent Lucas Paquetá due to injury, this was the hosts' clearest opportunity for a victory to date. At first confused by being ahead, Wolves chose to protect it doggedly, dropping deep with eleven players behind the ball from an early stage.

Generous Guests Add to West Ham's Problems

West Ham proved generous visitors, contributing to their own demise. First, former Wolves captain Max Kilman was unable to make a simple clearance from a cross, letting Mané to pounce, before being fouled by Soungoutou Magassa in the box. The teenage midfielder, formerly of Rochdale, was proving the key man on the field. Hwang stepped up to convert the subsequent penalty, doubling the advantage. Ironic chants of "We will win the league" rang around Molineux.

Lacking belief and ideas, West Ham drifted away from the game despite dominating the ball, registering just a single attempt in the first half.

The away side's woes were compounded shortly before halftime. The confident Mané, a youngster among trepidatious adults, spun beautifully, cut in from the left flank, and unleashed a low shot into the bottom corner from outside the box for his maiden senior goal. At last, the home fans could enjoy themselves.

Ineffective Second-Half Comeback Attempt

With little to lose, coach Nuno introduced a double substitution at the interval and switched to a more attacking 3-4-3 shape. However, key forward Jarrod Bowen remained quiet, and even introduction of Crysencio Summerville failed to generate the necessary threat.

A lingering sense of anxiety still affected Wolves' decision-making, unsure whether to clear the ball long or play out patiently. But, they had no need to been concerned against such passive resistance. West Ham's own failings became painfully obvious as they created very little of substance in the attacking areas.

Critical Fixtures On the Horizon

Ultimately, Wolves were the sole side capable of increasing the scoreline, and West Ham will be relieved the damage was not more severe. Attention now turns to a critical midweek encounter at home to relegation-threatened Nottingham Forest, a match vital in the fight for top-flight safety. Based on this evidence, the Hammers should have every reason to be afraid.