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This setback constitutes one more embarrassing chapter in an torrid season for West Ham, increasing major doubts about the future of their manager. The Hammers had the misfortune of becoming the first team to succumb to Wolves in this campaign, enabling the West Midlands side to double their league points and boost their hopes of evading a place in the record books as the worst team in Premier League history.

Commanding Opening Display Secures Long-Awaited Win

Fewer than the first four minutes of the match, Wolves were able to show signs of discovering much-needed confidence. The lively Hwang Hee-chan offered a glimpse of his rejuvenated abilities with a lengthy run before turning provider following neat combination play with Mateus Mané. The resulting pull-back found an untracked Jhon Arias, who tapped in from close range to give Wolves a home lead for the first time since October. Vibrancy was evident both on the pitch and in the stands, a sight for much of the season.

Facing a side woefully short on confidence and deprived of key talent Lucas Paquetá through injury, this represented the hosts' clearest chance for a win this season. Initially confused by taking the lead, Wolves opted to protect it doggedly, dropping back with all men behind the ball from an early stage.

Generous Guests Compound Their Own Miseries

West Ham were generous visitors, contributing to their own downfall. First, ex- Wolves captain Max Kilman was unable to make a simple clearance from a cross, letting Mané to intervene, only to be brought down by Soungoutou Magassa inside the penalty area. The teenage midfielder, once of Rochdale, was proving the key figure on the pitch. Hwang stepped up to score the subsequent penalty, extending the lead. Tongue-in-cheek chants of "We will win the league" rang around Molineux.

Short on confidence and inspiration, West Ham were drifting away from the contest even with dominating the ball, registering just a solitary attempt in the opening period.

The away side's woes were compounded shortly before halftime. The fearless Mané, a youth among nervous senior players, turned beautifully, cut in from the left, and unleashed a driven effort into the bottom corner from 18 yards for his maiden senior goal. Finally, the home fans were enjoying themselves.

Fruitless Second-Half Comeback Attempt

With nothing to lose, coach Nuno introduced a two substitution at half-time and switched to a offensive 3-4-3 formation. Yet, key attacker Jarrod Bowen was muted, and the introduction of Crysencio Summerville did not provide the necessary spark.

A persistent sense of nervousness still affected Wolves' judgment, unsure whether to hoof the ball to safety or build from the back. However, they had no need to been concerned against such meek opponents. West Ham's own deficiencies became painfully obvious as they created very little of note in the attacking areas.

Critical Matches On the Horizon

Ultimately, Wolves looked like the sole side likely of increasing the tally, and West Ham will be relieved the damage was not more severe. Attention now shifts to a pivotal midweek fixture at home to 17th-placed Nottingham Forest, a match vital in the fight for Premier League safety. On this evidence, the Hammers have every reason to be very worried.