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This defeat represents another embarrassing episode in a difficult season for West Ham, increasing major doubts about the prospects of their manager. The London club had the misfortune of becoming the initial team to succumb to Wolves this term, allowing the West Midlands side to double their league points and lift their aspirations of evading the tag in the history books as the worst team in Premier League annals.

Dominant First-Half Display Seals Historic Victory

Fewer than four minutes into the match, Wolves were able to give the impression of finding some resolve. The lively Hwang Hee-chan offered a taste of his rejuvenated abilities with a long run before turning provider following sharp combination play with Mateus Mané. The resulting cut-back found an untracked Jhon Arias, who tapped in from point-blank range to give Wolves a home lead for the first time since early October. Vibrancy was evident equally on the field and in the terraces, a rarity for most of the term.

Facing a team terribly out of form and missing creative talent Lucas Paquetá due to injury, this was the home side's clearest opportunity for a win to date. Initially confused by taking the lead, Wolves opted to defend it doggedly, falling back with eleven men behind the ball from an early stage.

Generous Opponents Add to West Ham's Problems

West Ham proved generous visitors, contributing to their own downfall. First, ex- Wolves captain Max Kilman failed 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 teenage player, once of Rochdale, emerged as the most influential man on the pitch. Hwang stepped up to convert the resulting spot-kick, doubling 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 despite dominating possession, registering just a single shot in the opening period.

The away side's woes deepened shortly before halftime. The confident Mané, a youth among nervous adults, turned beautifully, drove infield from the left flank, and unleashed a low shot into the far corner from outside the box for his first professional goal. At last, the Wolves supporters were enjoying themselves.

Fruitless Second-Half Comeback Attempt

With little to lose, manager Nuno introduced a double change at the interval and switched to a offensive 3-4-3 formation. Yet, key forward Jarrod Bowen remained muted, and even introduction of Crysencio Summerville failed to provide the necessary spark.

A lingering feeling of anxiety continued to clouded Wolves' judgment, uncertain whether to clear the ball to safety or play out patiently. But, they need not have worried against such passive opponents. West Ham's own deficiencies were increasingly obvious as they created very little of note in the final third.

Crucial Fixtures Lie Ahead

In the end, Wolves looked like the sole side capable of adding to the scoreline, and West Ham will be relieved the embarrassment was not greater. Attention now shifts to a critical midweek encounter at home to relegation-threatened Nottingham Forest, a match essential in the battle for top-flight safety. Based on this evidence, West Ham have every reason to be very worried.