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This latest defeat marks a further demoralizing chapter in a troubled season for West Ham, increasing significant doubts about the future of their manager. The London club became the first team to lose to Wolves this term, enabling the Midlands outfit to increase their points tally and lift their hopes of evading the tag in the history books as the worst team in Premier League history.

Commanding First-Half Performance Seals Long-Awaited Victory

Fewer than the first four minutes of the match, Wolves were able to give the impression of discovering some resolve. The lively Hwang Hee-chan provided a glimpse of his rejuvenated form with a long run before turning provider thanks to sharp link-up play with Mateus Mané. His cut-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 could be felt both on the field and in the terraces, a rarity for much of the term.

Facing a team woefully short on confidence and missing key player Lucas Paquetá due to injury, this represented the home side's best chance for a victory this season. At first confused by being ahead, Wolves opted to protect it fiercely, dropping back with all men behind the ball from an early stage.

Compliant Guests Add to Their Own Problems

West Ham proved generous visitors, contributing to their own demise. First, former Wolves captain Max Kilman failed to execute a simple clearance from a cross, allowing Mané to pounce, only to be brought down by Soungoutou Magassa in the box. The 18-year-old player, once of Rochdale, was proving the key man on the field. Hwang stepped up to convert the resulting penalty, doubling the lead. Tongue-in-cheek chants of "We will win the league" rang around Molineux.

Lacking belief and ideas, West Ham were drifting away from the game despite dominating possession, managing just a single attempt in the opening period.

The away side's frustrations deepened just prior to halftime. The fearless Mané, a youth among trepidatious senior players, spun beautifully, drove infield from the left flank, and unleashed a driven shot into the bottom corner from 18 yards for his first professional goal. Finally, the Wolves fans were enjoying themselves.

Ineffective Second-Half Comeback Attempt

With little to lose, manager Nuno introduced a double change at the interval and altered to a more attacking 3-4-3 shape. However, star forward Jarrod Bowen was quiet, and the introduction of Crysencio Summerville failed to provide the necessary threat.

A lingering feeling of anxiety still affected Wolves' judgment, unsure whether to clear the ball to safety or build patiently. But, they need not have been concerned against such passive opponents. West Ham's own deficiencies became painfully obvious as they created very little of substance in the attacking areas.

Critical Fixtures Lie Ahead

In the end, Wolves looked like the sole side likely of increasing the tally, and West Ham will be thankful the embarrassment was not more severe. Attention now shifts to a pivotal Tuesday encounter at home to relegation-threatened Nottingham Forest, a match vital in the battle for Premier League survival. On this evidence, the Hammers have every reason to be very worried.