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This latest loss marks one more humiliating chapter in an torrid season for West Ham, increasing major questions about the prospects of their manager. The Hammers had the misfortune of becoming the first team to fall to Wolves in this campaign, enabling the West Midlands outfit to double their league points and boost their aspirations of evading a place in the history books as the worst team in Premier League annals.

Dominant Opening Performance Secures Long-Awaited Win

Within the first four minutes of the match, Wolves managed to demonstrate of finding some confidence. The lively Hwang Hee-chan offered a glimpse of his revitalised form with a long run before turning provider thanks to neat link-up play with Mateus Mané. The resulting cut-back found an unmarked Jhon Arias, who tapped in from close range to give Wolves a lead at Molineux for the first time since October. Vibrancy was evident both on the pitch and in the stands, a sight for much of the term.

Facing a side terribly short on confidence and missing key player Lucas Paquetá due to injury, this represented the hosts' best opportunity for a victory this season. At first confused by taking the lead, Wolves chose to defend it fiercely, falling back with all players behind the ball from an early stage.

Generous Guests Compound Their Own Miseries

West Ham were accommodating visitors, adding to their own downfall. First, former Wolves captain Max Kilman failed to execute a routine clearance from a cross, allowing Mané to intervene, before being fouled by Soungoutou Magassa in the box. The teenage player, formerly of Rochdale, was proving the most influential figure on the field. Hwang took responsibility to score the subsequent spot-kick, doubling the advantage. Ironic chants of "We will win the league" echoed around Molineux.

Lacking belief and inspiration, West Ham drifted out of the game despite dominating possession, managing just a solitary shot in the first half.

The visitors' woes were compounded shortly before halftime. The confident Mané, a youth among trepidatious adults, turned exquisitely, cut in from the left flank, and unleashed a low effort into the bottom corner from 18 yards for his first senior goal. Finally, the Wolves supporters could enjoy themselves.

Ineffective Second Period Response

With nothing to lose, manager Nuno introduced a double change at half-time and altered to a more attacking 3-4-3 formation. Yet, key attacker Jarrod Bowen remained muted, and even introduction of Crysencio Summerville failed to generate the required threat.

A persistent feeling of nervousness still affected Wolves' judgment, uncertain whether to clear the ball long or build from the back. However, they need not have been concerned against such meek resistance. West Ham's inherent failings became painfully apparent as they produced very little of substance in the final third.

Critical Fixtures On the Horizon

Ultimately, Wolves looked like the sole side likely of adding to the scoreline, and West Ham will be thankful the damage was not greater. Attention now turns to a pivotal midweek fixture at home to relegation-threatened Nottingham Forest, a match vital in the battle for Premier League safety. Based on this showing, the Hammers have cause to be afraid.