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This defeat represents one more embarrassing episode in an troubled season for West Ham, increasing serious doubts about the future of their manager. The Hammers became the initial team to fall to Wolves in this campaign, allowing the Midlands outfit to double their league points and lift their hopes of avoiding a place in the record books as the worst team in Premier League annals.

Dominant First-Half Display Seals Long-Awaited Victory

Fewer than the first four minutes of the match, Wolves managed to demonstrate of finding some resolve. The lively Hwang Hee-chan provided a taste of his rejuvenated abilities with a lengthy run before laying on an assist following 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 home lead for the first time since October. Vibrancy was evident both on the field and in the stands, a sight for much of the season.

Facing a side terribly short on confidence and deprived of key player Lucas Paquetá due to injury, this represented the hosts' best chance for a victory this season. At first unnerved by being ahead, Wolves opted to defend it doggedly, dropping deep with all players behind the ball early on.

Generous Opponents Compound Their Own Miseries

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 intervene, before being fouled by Soungoutou Magassa in the penalty area. The teenage player, once of Rochdale, was proving the key figure on the pitch. Hwang stepped up to convert the resulting penalty, doubling the lead. Tongue-in-cheek chants of "We're going to win the league" echoed around Molineux.

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

The visitors' frustrations were compounded just prior to halftime. The confident Mané, a youth among nervous senior players, spun beautifully, drove infield from the left flank, and unleashed a low effort into the far corner from outside the box for his first professional goal. Finally, the Wolves supporters could enjoy themselves.

Fruitless Second Period Comeback Attempt

With little to lose, manager Nuno introduced a two change at half-time and switched to a offensive 3-4-3 formation. However, star attacker Jarrod Bowen was quiet, and the introduction of Crysencio Summerville did not provide the required threat.

A persistent feeling of anxiety still affected Wolves' judgment, unsure whether to clear the ball to safety or play out patiently. But, they need not have been concerned against such meek resistance. West Ham's inherent deficiencies became increasingly apparent as they produced nothing of substance in the attacking areas.

Critical Fixtures Lie Ahead

Ultimately, Wolves looked like the only side likely of increasing the scoreline, and West Ham will be thankful the embarrassment was not more severe. Attention now turns to a pivotal Tuesday fixture at home to relegation-threatened Nottingham Forest, a match vital in the fight for top-flight survival. Based on this evidence, the Hammers should have cause to be very worried.