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This latest loss marks another demoralizing chapter in an troubled season for West Ham, amplifying major doubts about the prospects of their manager. The London club became the initial team to succumb to Wolves in this campaign, allowing the Midlands outfit to increase their points tally and lift their aspirations of evading a place in the history books as the least successful team in Premier League history.

Commanding Opening Performance Seals Long-Awaited Victory

Within the first four minutes of the match, Wolves managed to show signs of finding much-needed confidence. The energetic 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 pull-back found an unmarked Jhon Arias, who tapped in from close range to give Wolves a home lead for the first time since early October. Energy could be felt both on the field and in the stands, a sight for most of the term.

Facing a team woefully short on confidence and missing key talent Lucas Paquetá through injury, this was the hosts' best chance for a victory this season. At first unnerved by being ahead, Wolves opted to protect it doggedly, falling deep with eleven players behind the ball from an early stage.

Generous Opponents Compound West Ham's Miseries

West Ham proved generous visitors, adding to their own demise. First, former Wolves captain Max Kilman was unable to make a simple clearance from a cross, allowing Mané to intervene, before being brought down by Soungoutou Magassa in the box. The 18-year-old midfielder, formerly of Rochdale, emerged as the most influential man on the field. Hwang stepped up to score the subsequent penalty, doubling the advantage. Ironic chants of "We will win the league" rang around Molineux.

Lacking belief and ideas, West Ham drifted out of the game even with dominating the ball, managing just a solitary shot in the opening period.

The visitors' woes were compounded just prior to halftime. The fearless Mané, a youth among trepidatious senior players, spun exquisitely, drove infield from the left flank, and fired a driven shot into the far corner from 18 yards for his maiden professional goal. At last, the Wolves supporters could enjoy themselves.

Fruitless Second-Half Response

With little to lose, manager Nuno introduced a two change at the interval and switched to a more attacking 3-4-3 formation. However, key forward Jarrod Bowen was muted, and even introduction of Crysencio Summerville failed to provide the necessary spark.

A persistent sense of anxiety still affected Wolves' judgment, unsure whether to hoof the ball to safety or build patiently. However, they need not have been concerned against such meek resistance. West Ham's own failings became increasingly obvious as they created nothing of note in the attacking areas.

Crucial Fixtures On the Horizon

Ultimately, Wolves looked like the only side capable of increasing the scoreline, and West Ham will be relieved the embarrassment was not more severe. Attention now shifts to a critical Tuesday encounter at home to relegation-threatened Nottingham Forest, a match vital in the battle for Premier League survival. On this showing, the Hammers should have every reason to be very worried.