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This defeat constitutes another demoralizing chapter in an torrid season for West Ham, raising major doubts about the prospects of their manager. The London club became the initial team to fall to Wolves in this campaign, allowing the West Midlands outfit to double their points tally and boost their hopes of evading a place in the history books as the worst team in Premier League annals.

Dominant Opening Display Secures Long-Awaited Victory

Within the first four minutes of the match, Wolves managed to demonstrate of finding much-needed resolve. The energetic Hwang Hee-chan offered a taste of his rejuvenated abilities with a long run before turning provider following neat link-up play with Mateus Mané. His cut-back found an unmarked Jhon Arias, who tapped in from point-blank range to give Wolves a home lead for the first time since October. Vibrancy could be felt both on the pitch and in the terraces, a sight for much of the term.

Facing a team woefully out of form and deprived of key talent Lucas Paquetá due to injury, this was the hosts' best chance for a win this season. Initially confused by being ahead, Wolves chose to defend it fiercely, falling back with eleven players behind the ball from an early stage.

Generous Guests Compound West Ham's Miseries

West Ham proved accommodating guests, contributing to their own downfall. First, ex- Wolves captain Max Kilman was unable to execute a simple clearance from a cross, letting Mané to pounce, only to be brought down by Soungoutou Magassa in the box. The 18-year-old player, once of Rochdale, was proving the key man on the field. Hwang took responsibility to score the resulting spot-kick, doubling the advantage. Ironic chants of "We will win the league" echoed around Molineux.

Lacking belief and ideas, West Ham were drifting out of the contest despite dominating possession, registering just a solitary shot in the opening period.

The visitors' woes deepened just prior to halftime. The confident Mané, a youth among nervous adults, turned beautifully, cut in from the left flank, and fired a low effort into the bottom corner from outside the box for his first professional goal. At last, the Wolves fans could enjoy themselves.

Fruitless Second-Half Comeback Attempt

With little to lose, manager Nuno made a two change at the interval and altered to a offensive 3-4-3 formation. Yet, key forward Jarrod Bowen was muted, and the introduction of Crysencio Summerville failed to provide the necessary spark.

A lingering feeling of nervousness still clouded Wolves' judgment, unsure whether to hoof the ball long or build from the back. But, they had no need to been concerned against such passive opponents. West Ham's inherent deficiencies became increasingly obvious as they produced nothing of substance in the attacking areas.

Crucial Fixtures Lie Ahead

Ultimately, Wolves looked like the sole side capable of increasing the tally, and West Ham will be relieved the embarrassment was not more severe. Attention now shifts to a pivotal Tuesday encounter at home to relegation-threatened Nottingham Forest, a match essential in the fight for Premier League survival. On this showing, West Ham should have cause to be afraid.