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This latest defeat marks a further humiliating episode in a torrid season for West Ham, amplifying major doubts about the future of their manager. The London club became the first team to fall to Wolves this term, allowing the Midlands side to increase their points tally and lift their aspirations of avoiding a place in the history books as the worst team in Premier League history.

Dominant Opening Performance Secures Historic Win

Fewer than the first four minutes of the match, Wolves managed to demonstrate of finding much-needed resolve. The lively Hwang Hee-chan provided a taste of his rejuvenated form with a long run before laying on an assist thanks to neat combination play with Mateus Mané. His pull-back found an untracked Jhon Arias, who tapped in from point-blank range to give Wolves a lead at Molineux for the first time since October. Energy could be felt both on the pitch and in the stands, a rarity for most of the season.

Facing a side woefully out of form and missing key talent Lucas Paquetá through injury, this represented the hosts' best chance for a victory to date. Initially unnerved by taking the lead, Wolves opted to protect it doggedly, falling deep with all players behind the ball early on.

Compliant Opponents Add to Their Own Problems

West Ham were accommodating visitors, adding to their own downfall. First, ex- Wolves captain Max Kilman failed to make a routine clearance from a cross, letting Mané to intervene, before being brought down by Soungoutou Magassa inside the box. The 18-year-old player, formerly of Rochdale, was proving the most influential man on the field. Hwang stepped up to score the subsequent spot-kick, extending the lead. Ironic chants of "We're going to win the league" echoed around Molineux.

Short on confidence and ideas, West Ham drifted away from the game even with controlling the ball, registering just a single shot in the first half.

The away side's frustrations were compounded shortly before halftime. The confident Mané, a youth among nervous senior players, turned exquisitely, cut in from the left flank, and fired a low shot into the bottom corner from 18 yards for his first professional goal. Finally, the home supporters could enjoy themselves.

Fruitless Second Period Comeback Attempt

With little to lose, coach 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 even introduction of Crysencio Summerville did not generate the required threat.

A lingering feeling of anxiety continued to clouded Wolves' judgment, unsure whether to clear the ball to safety or build from the back. However, they need not have worried against such meek resistance. West Ham's inherent failings became increasingly obvious as they created very little of substance in the attacking areas.

Critical Fixtures On the Horizon

In the end, Wolves were the only side capable of adding to the tally, and West Ham will be relieved 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 battle for top-flight survival. On this showing, West Ham have every reason to be very worried.