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This latest defeat constitutes one more demoralizing chapter in an difficult season for West Ham, raising major doubts about the future of their manager. The Hammers became the initial team to fall to Wolves in this campaign, enabling the West Midlands outfit to double their league points and boost their aspirations of avoiding the tag in the record books as the least successful team in Premier League annals.

Dominant Opening Display Seals Historic Win

Fewer than four minutes of the match, Wolves managed to demonstrate of discovering some confidence. The lively Hwang Hee-chan provided a taste of his rejuvenated form with a lengthy run before turning provider thanks to neat combination play with Mateus Mané. The resulting cut-back found an unmarked Jhon Arias, who tapped in from close range to give Wolves a home lead for the first time since early October. Energy was evident equally on the pitch and in the terraces, a sight for most of the season.

Facing a side woefully short on confidence and missing key talent Lucas Paquetá due to injury, this was the hosts' best chance for a win to date. At first confused by being ahead, Wolves chose to defend it doggedly, dropping back with all men behind the ball from an early stage.

Generous Opponents Add to West Ham's Miseries

West Ham proved accommodating visitors, contributing to their own downfall. First, ex- Wolves captain Max Kilman was unable to execute a simple clearance from a cross, allowing Mané to pounce, before being fouled by Soungoutou Magassa in the box. The 18-year-old player, formerly of Rochdale, was proving the key man on the pitch. Hwang stepped up to convert the subsequent penalty, extending the advantage. Tongue-in-cheek chants of "We will win the league" echoed around Molineux.

Short on belief and ideas, West Ham were drifting away from the game even with dominating possession, managing just a solitary attempt in the opening period.

The away side's frustrations deepened just prior to halftime. The fearless Mané, a youngster among nervous adults, spun exquisitely, drove infield from the left flank, and fired a driven shot into the bottom corner from outside the box for his first senior goal. At last, the Wolves fans were enjoying themselves.

Fruitless Second-Half Comeback Attempt

With nothing to lose, manager Nuno made a double substitution at half-time and switched to a offensive 3-4-3 shape. However, key attacker Jarrod Bowen was quiet, and even introduction of Crysencio Summerville did not generate the required spark.

A persistent sense of nervousness still clouded Wolves' judgment, uncertain whether to hoof the ball to safety or play out patiently. However, they need not have been concerned against such meek opponents. West Ham's inherent deficiencies were painfully apparent as they created very little of substance in the attacking areas.

Crucial Fixtures Lie Ahead

Ultimately, Wolves looked like the sole side capable of adding to the tally, and West Ham will be thankful the embarrassment was not greater. Attention now turns to a pivotal Tuesday encounter at home to 17th-placed Nottingham Forest, a match vital in the fight for top-flight safety. On this evidence, West Ham have cause to be afraid.