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This latest setback represents a further embarrassing episode in a difficult season for West Ham, increasing major questions about the prospects of their manager. The Hammers became the initial team to lose to Wolves in this campaign, allowing the West Midlands outfit to double their league points and boost their hopes of avoiding a place in the record books as the worst team in Premier League history.

Dominant First-Half Performance Seals Historic Triumph

Within four minutes of the match, Wolves were able to give the impression of finding much-needed resolution. The energetic Hwang Hee-chan provided a taste of his rejuvenated abilities with a long run before laying on an assist thanks to 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 early October. Energy could be felt equally on the pitch and in the terraces, a rarity for much of the term.

Facing a side terribly short on confidence and deprived of creative player Lucas Paquetá due to injury, this represented the home side's clearest chance for a victory to date. Initially unnerved by being ahead, Wolves opted to defend it doggedly, falling back with all players behind the ball early on.

Compliant Opponents Add to Their Own Miseries

West Ham were accommodating guests, contributing to their own demise. First, former Wolves captain Max Kilman failed to make a simple clearance from a cross, letting Mané to intervene, before being brought down by Soungoutou Magassa in the box. The teenage midfielder, once of Rochdale, emerged as the key figure 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 drifted away from the game even with dominating the ball, registering just a single attempt in the first half.

The visitors' woes were compounded just prior to halftime. The confident Mané, a youngster among trepidatious senior players, turned beautifully, drove infield from the left, and fired a low shot into the far corner from outside the box for his first professional goal. Finally, the home supporters were enjoying themselves.

Fruitless Second-Half Comeback Attempt

With little to lose, coach Nuno made a double change at half-time and switched to a offensive 3-4-3 shape. Yet, star forward Jarrod Bowen remained quiet, and even introduction of Crysencio Summerville failed to provide the required threat.

A lingering sense of nervousness continued to affected Wolves' decision-making, uncertain whether to hoof the ball to safety or play out patiently. However, they need not have been concerned against such passive opponents. West Ham's inherent failings became painfully obvious as they produced very little of substance in the attacking areas.

Crucial Fixtures Lie Ahead

In the end, Wolves were the sole side capable of increasing the tally, and West Ham will be relieved the damage was not more severe. Attention now shifts to a critical midweek fixture at home to 17th-placed Nottingham Forest, a match essential in the battle for top-flight survival. Based on this showing, the Hammers should have cause to be very worried.