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This latest loss marks a further embarrassing episode in an torrid season for West Ham, increasing serious doubts about the prospects of their manager. The Hammers had the misfortune of becoming the first team to succumb to Wolves this term, enabling the Midlands outfit to increase their league points and lift their aspirations of evading a place in the record books as the worst team in Premier League annals.

Dominant First-Half Display Seals Long-Awaited Win

Within four minutes into the match, Wolves managed to show signs of finding much-needed resolution. The energetic Hwang Hee-chan offered a taste of his revitalised form with a lengthy run before laying on an assist thanks to sharp link-up play with Mateus Mané. The resulting cut-back found an unmarked Jhon Arias, who tapped in from point-blank range to give Wolves a lead at Molineux for the first time since early October. Energy could be felt equally on the pitch and in the stands, a rarity for most of the season.

Facing a team terribly short on confidence and deprived of key player Lucas Paquetá due to injury, this was the home side's clearest chance for a win this season. Initially confused by being ahead, Wolves chose to defend it fiercely, falling back with eleven men behind the ball from an early stage.

Compliant Guests Add to West Ham's Problems

West Ham were accommodating visitors, adding to their own demise. First, former Wolves captain Max Kilman was unable to make a routine clearance from a cross, letting Mané to pounce, before being fouled by Soungoutou Magassa in the penalty area. The teenage player, once of Rochdale, emerged as the key man on the pitch. Hwang took responsibility to convert the resulting penalty, extending the advantage. Tongue-in-cheek chants of "We're going to win the league" echoed around Molineux.

Short on belief and ideas, West Ham were drifting away from the game even with controlling possession, managing just a single attempt in the first half.

The visitors' frustrations deepened shortly before halftime. The confident Mané, a youngster among trepidatious senior players, spun exquisitely, drove infield from the left flank, and fired a low effort into the far corner from outside the box for his first senior goal. Finally, the Wolves supporters could enjoy themselves.

Fruitless Second-Half Response

With little to lose, manager Nuno made a two substitution at half-time and altered to a offensive 3-4-3 shape. Yet, star forward Jarrod Bowen was muted, and the introduction of Crysencio Summerville failed to provide the required threat.

A lingering sense of nervousness continued to affected Wolves' decision-making, unsure whether to hoof the ball long or build from the back. But, they had no need to worried against such passive opponents. West Ham's own failings became increasingly obvious as they produced nothing of note in the attacking areas.

Crucial Fixtures On the Horizon

Ultimately, Wolves looked like the sole side capable of adding to the tally, and West Ham will be relieved the embarrassment was not more severe. Focus now shifts to a critical midweek fixture at home to 17th-placed Nottingham Forest, a match vital in the fight for Premier League survival. Based on this evidence, West Ham should have every reason to be afraid.