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This loss marks another demoralizing episode in a difficult season for West Ham, increasing serious questions about the future of their manager. The London club had the misfortune of becoming the first team to succumb to Wolves this term, enabling the West Midlands outfit 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 Win

Within four minutes of the match, Wolves managed to give the impression of discovering some resolve. The energetic Hwang Hee-chan provided a glimpse of his rejuvenated form with a lengthy run before laying on an assist thanks to sharp link-up 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 early October. Vibrancy was evident equally on the pitch and in the stands, a sight for most of the term.

Facing a team terribly out of form and deprived of creative player Lucas Paquetá through injury, this represented the home side's best opportunity for a victory this season. At first confused by being ahead, Wolves opted to protect it fiercely, dropping back with eleven players behind the ball early on.

Generous Guests Add to Their Own 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, allowing Mané to intervene, before being fouled by Soungoutou Magassa inside the box. The teenage midfielder, once of Rochdale, was proving the most influential figure on the field. Hwang took responsibility to score the subsequent spot-kick, extending the advantage. Tongue-in-cheek chants of "We're going to win the league" echoed around Molineux.

Lacking confidence and inspiration, West Ham drifted out of the game despite dominating possession, registering just a solitary shot in the opening period.

The away side's woes were compounded shortly before halftime. The confident Mané, a youngster among nervous adults, spun exquisitely, cut in from the left flank, and unleashed a low effort into the far corner from outside the box for his maiden professional goal. Finally, the home supporters were enjoying themselves.

Fruitless Second-Half Response

With nothing to lose, coach Nuno introduced a double substitution at the interval and switched to a offensive 3-4-3 formation. Yet, star forward Jarrod Bowen was muted, and even introduction of Crysencio Summerville failed to provide the necessary threat.

A lingering feeling of nervousness continued to clouded Wolves' decision-making, uncertain whether to hoof the ball to safety or build from the back. However, they need not have worried against such passive resistance. West Ham's inherent failings were painfully apparent as they created very little of substance in the final third.

Crucial Matches Lie Ahead

In the end, Wolves were the only side capable of increasing the tally, and West Ham will be relieved the damage was not greater. Attention now turns to a pivotal Tuesday encounter at home to relegation-threatened Nottingham Forest, a match essential in the fight for top-flight safety. Based on this evidence, the Hammers have cause to be very worried.