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This latest defeat represents one more demoralizing episode in a torrid season for West Ham, amplifying major doubts about the future of their manager. The Hammers had the misfortune of becoming the first team to lose to Wolves this term, allowing the West Midlands side to increase their league points and lift their aspirations of avoiding a place in the history books as the worst team in Premier League history.

Dominant First-Half Performance Seals Historic Victory

Within four minutes into the match, Wolves were able to give the impression of finding much-needed resolution. The lively Hwang Hee-chan provided a taste of his rejuvenated abilities with a lengthy run before turning provider thanks to sharp link-up play with Mateus Mané. The resulting cut-back found an untracked Jhon Arias, who slid home from point-blank range to give Wolves a home lead for the first time since October. Vibrancy could be felt equally on the pitch and in the stands, a sight for most of the term.

Facing a side terribly short on confidence and missing creative player Lucas Paquetá due to injury, this represented the hosts' best chance for a win to date. At first confused by taking the lead, Wolves opted to defend it fiercely, dropping back with eleven men behind the ball from an early stage.

Compliant Guests Add to Their Own Miseries

West Ham were accommodating 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 pounce, before being brought down by Soungoutou Magassa in the penalty area. The 18-year-old player, once of Rochdale, emerged as the most influential man on the pitch. Hwang took responsibility to convert the subsequent 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 drifted out of the game even with dominating the ball, registering just a solitary shot in the first half.

The visitors' frustrations were compounded just prior to halftime. The confident Mané, a youngster among nervous adults, turned beautifully, cut in from the left, and unleashed a driven effort into the bottom corner from 18 yards for his maiden professional goal. Finally, the Wolves fans were enjoying themselves.

Fruitless Second-Half Comeback Attempt

With little to lose, manager Nuno made a double substitution at the interval and switched to a offensive 3-4-3 shape. However, star forward Jarrod Bowen was muted, and the introduction of Crysencio Summerville failed to provide the necessary threat.

A persistent sense of anxiety continued to affected Wolves' judgment, unsure whether to clear the ball to safety or build from the back. But, they had no need to worried against such meek resistance. West Ham's inherent deficiencies became painfully apparent as they produced very little of substance in the final third.

Crucial Fixtures Lie Ahead

In the end, Wolves were the sole side likely of increasing the tally, and West Ham will be thankful the embarrassment was not greater. Focus now turns to a pivotal Tuesday fixture at home to relegation-threatened Nottingham Forest, a match vital in the fight for top-flight safety. On this evidence, West Ham have cause to be afraid.