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This defeat marks a further demoralizing episode in a troubled season for West Ham, amplifying significant doubts about the future of their manager. The London club had the misfortune of becoming the initial team to succumb to Wolves this term, enabling the Midlands team to double their league points and boost their aspirations of evading the tag in the history books as the worst team in Premier League history.

Dominant First-Half Performance Secures Long-Awaited Triumph

Within four minutes into the match, Wolves managed to demonstrate of finding much-needed resolve. The energetic Hwang Hee-chan provided a taste of his revitalised abilities with a long run before laying on an assist thanks to neat combination play with Mateus Mané. His pull-back found an untracked Jhon Arias, who slid home from close range to give Wolves a lead at Molineux for the first time since October. Energy could be felt equally on the field and in the terraces, a rarity for most of the season.

Facing a side terribly out of form and deprived of key talent Lucas Paquetá due to injury, this was the home side's clearest chance for a win to date. Initially unnerved by being ahead, Wolves opted to defend it doggedly, falling deep with eleven players behind the ball early on.

Generous Guests Add to West Ham's Miseries

West Ham were accommodating visitors, adding to their own downfall. First, ex- Wolves captain Max Kilman was unable to execute a simple clearance from a cross, letting Mané to intervene, only to be brought down by Soungoutou Magassa in the penalty area. The 18-year-old player, once of Rochdale, emerged as the key figure on the pitch. Hwang stepped up to convert the resulting penalty, extending the advantage. Ironic chants of "We will win the league" rang around Molineux.

Lacking confidence and inspiration, West Ham were drifting away from the contest even with dominating the ball, registering just a single shot in the opening period.

The visitors' frustrations were compounded just prior to halftime. The confident Mané, a youngster among nervous senior players, spun beautifully, cut in from the left, and fired a low effort into the bottom corner from 18 yards for his maiden professional goal. At last, the Wolves supporters were enjoying themselves.

Fruitless Second-Half Comeback Attempt

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

A persistent sense of nervousness continued to clouded Wolves' judgment, uncertain whether to clear the ball to safety or play out from the back. However, they need not have been concerned against such meek opponents. West Ham's own failings became increasingly apparent as they produced nothing of note in the attacking areas.

Critical Matches Lie Ahead

In the end, Wolves were the sole side capable of increasing the scoreline, and West Ham will be thankful the embarrassment was not more severe. Attention now turns to a pivotal Tuesday encounter at home to 17th-placed Nottingham Forest, a match essential in the fight for top-flight survival. On this showing, West Ham should have cause to be afraid.