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This setback represents a further humiliating episode in a difficult season for West Ham, raising serious questions about the prospects of their manager. The London club had the misfortune of becoming the first team to succumb to Wolves in this campaign, enabling the Midlands team to double their points tally and boost their hopes of evading a place in the record books as the worst team in Premier League annals.

Commanding First-Half Performance Seals Long-Awaited Victory

Within the first four minutes of the match, Wolves were able to give the impression of discovering much-needed resolution. The energetic Hwang Hee-chan provided a glimpse of his rejuvenated form with a lengthy run before laying on an assist thanks to sharp link-up play with Mateus Mané. His pull-back found an unmarked Jhon Arias, who slid home from close range to give Wolves a lead at Molineux 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 season.

Facing a side woefully out of form and missing creative talent Lucas Paquetá through injury, this was the home side's best chance for a victory to date. At first confused by taking the lead, Wolves opted to defend it fiercely, dropping back with all men behind the ball early on.

Compliant Guests Compound West Ham's Problems

West Ham were generous visitors, adding to their own demise. First, former Wolves captain Max Kilman failed to execute a simple clearance from a cross, allowing Mané to pounce, before being brought down by Soungoutou Magassa inside the penalty area. The 18-year-old midfielder, once of Rochdale, emerged as the most influential man on the pitch. Hwang took responsibility to score the resulting penalty, doubling the lead. Tongue-in-cheek chants of "We're going to win the league" rang around Molineux.

Short on confidence and ideas, West Ham were drifting out of the game even with dominating the ball, managing just a single attempt in the first half.

The away side's frustrations deepened just prior to halftime. The fearless Mané, a youth among nervous senior players, spun exquisitely, drove infield from the left flank, and fired a low effort into the far corner from outside the box for his first professional goal. Finally, the home supporters were enjoying themselves.

Ineffective Second-Half Comeback Attempt

With little to lose, manager Nuno introduced a two change at half-time and switched to a more attacking 3-4-3 shape. Yet, star forward Jarrod Bowen remained muted, and the introduction of Crysencio Summerville failed to provide the required threat.

A lingering feeling of nervousness still affected Wolves' judgment, unsure whether to clear the ball to safety or play out from the back. However, they had no need to worried against such passive resistance. West Ham's own failings were painfully obvious as they produced nothing of note in the attacking areas.

Crucial Fixtures Lie Ahead

Ultimately, Wolves looked like the only side likely of adding to the tally, and West Ham will be thankful the damage was not more severe. Attention now turns to a pivotal Tuesday fixture at home to 17th-placed Nottingham Forest, a match essential in the fight for top-flight safety. On this evidence, West Ham have every reason to be afraid.