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This latest setback represents one more humiliating episode in an difficult season for West Ham, increasing serious doubts about the prospects of their manager. The Hammers became the first team to fall to Wolves this term, allowing the West Midlands outfit to double their league points and lift their hopes of evading the tag in the record books as the least successful team in Premier League history.

Commanding Opening Display Seals Long-Awaited Win

Within four minutes into the match, Wolves were able to show signs of finding much-needed confidence. The lively Hwang Hee-chan offered a glimpse of his revitalised form with a lengthy run before turning provider thanks to sharp combination play with Mateus Mané. His cut-back found an untracked Jhon Arias, who tapped in from close range to give Wolves a lead at Molineux for the first time since October. Vibrancy was evident both on the pitch and in the stands, a sight for most of the season.

Facing a team terribly short on confidence and missing key talent Lucas Paquetá through injury, this was the hosts' clearest opportunity for a win to date. At first unnerved by taking the lead, Wolves opted to defend it doggedly, dropping back with all players behind the ball early on.

Generous Opponents 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, letting Mané to pounce, only to be brought down by Soungoutou Magassa inside the box. The teenage player, once of Rochdale, emerged as the key figure on the field. Hwang took responsibility to convert the resulting penalty, doubling the lead. Ironic chants of "We're going to win the league" rang around Molineux.

Lacking belief and ideas, West Ham were drifting away from the contest despite controlling the ball, registering just a solitary shot in the opening period.

The visitors' woes were compounded shortly before halftime. The confident Mané, a youth among trepidatious senior players, turned exquisitely, cut in from the left flank, and fired a driven effort into the bottom corner from outside the box for his maiden professional goal. At last, the Wolves supporters were enjoying themselves.

Fruitless Second-Half Response

With nothing to lose, coach Nuno made a double substitution at half-time and switched to a offensive 3-4-3 formation. However, key forward Jarrod Bowen was quiet, and even introduction of Crysencio Summerville failed to provide the required spark.

A lingering feeling of nervousness continued to affected Wolves' judgment, uncertain whether to clear the ball long or play out from the back. But, they had no need to worried against such meek opponents. West Ham's inherent deficiencies became painfully obvious as they produced nothing of note in the final third.

Crucial Fixtures Lie Ahead

Ultimately, Wolves looked like the sole side capable of increasing the scoreline, and West Ham will be thankful the damage was not greater. Focus now turns to a critical Tuesday fixture at home to relegation-threatened Nottingham Forest, a match essential in the fight for top-flight safety. Based on this showing, the Hammers have cause to be afraid.