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This latest loss represents a further embarrassing chapter in a troubled season for West Ham, raising major doubts about the future of their manager. The London club became the initial team to lose to Wolves this term, allowing the Midlands side to double their league points and lift their hopes of evading a place in the history books as the worst team in Premier League annals.

Dominant Opening Display Secures Long-Awaited Win

Within the first four minutes into the match, Wolves were able to show signs of finding some confidence. The lively Hwang Hee-chan offered a taste of his revitalised form with a long run before turning provider thanks to sharp link-up play with Mateus Mané. His pull-back found an unmarked Jhon Arias, who tapped in from point-blank range to give Wolves a lead at Molineux for the first time since early October. Energy was evident equally on the pitch and in the stands, a rarity for most of the term.

Facing a team woefully out of form and deprived of key talent Lucas Paquetá due to injury, this was the home side's clearest chance for a victory this season. At first unnerved by taking the lead, Wolves chose to protect it fiercely, dropping deep with all players behind the ball from an early stage.

Generous Opponents Compound West Ham's Miseries

West Ham were accommodating guests, adding to their own downfall. First, former Wolves captain Max Kilman failed to make a routine clearance from a cross, letting Mané to intervene, before being fouled by Soungoutou Magassa inside the box. The 18-year-old player, once of Rochdale, was proving the key figure on the field. Hwang took responsibility to score the resulting spot-kick, doubling the lead. Tongue-in-cheek chants of "We're going to win the league" echoed around Molineux.

Lacking confidence and inspiration, West Ham drifted away from the contest despite controlling the ball, registering just a solitary shot in the opening period.

The away side's woes were compounded just prior to halftime. The confident Mané, a youngster among trepidatious senior players, spun exquisitely, cut in from the left flank, and unleashed a driven effort into the far corner from 18 yards for his first professional goal. At last, the Wolves supporters were enjoying themselves.

Fruitless Second-Half Comeback Attempt

With nothing to lose, coach Nuno introduced a double substitution at the interval and switched to a more attacking 3-4-3 shape. Yet, key forward Jarrod Bowen was muted, and the introduction of Crysencio Summerville did not provide the required threat.

A lingering feeling of anxiety still affected Wolves' decision-making, unsure whether to clear the ball long or build patiently. However, they need not have worried against such meek resistance. West Ham's inherent deficiencies were increasingly obvious as they created very little of note in the final third.

Crucial Fixtures On the Horizon

Ultimately, Wolves were the only side likely of increasing the scoreline, and West Ham will be thankful the embarrassment was not more severe. Attention now turns to a pivotal Tuesday encounter at home to relegation-threatened Nottingham Forest, a match essential in the battle for Premier League survival. Based on this showing, West Ham have cause to be very worried.