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This defeat marks one more humiliating episode in an troubled season for West Ham, raising major questions about the future of their manager. The Hammers had the misfortune of becoming the initial team to fall to Wolves in this campaign, enabling the Midlands side to double their points tally and boost their aspirations of evading a place in the record books as the worst team in Premier League annals.

Dominant First-Half Performance Seals Historic Triumph

Fewer than four minutes into the match, Wolves managed to show signs of discovering much-needed resolution. The lively Hwang Hee-chan offered a glimpse of his revitalised form with a long run before laying on an assist following neat combination play with Mateus Mané. The resulting cut-back found an untracked Jhon Arias, who slid home from point-blank range to give Wolves a lead at Molineux for the first time since early October. Energy could be felt both on the field and in the terraces, a sight for much of the term.

Facing a side terribly out of form and deprived of creative player Lucas Paquetá due to injury, this represented the hosts' clearest chance for a win this season. Initially unnerved by being ahead, Wolves chose to protect it fiercely, falling deep with eleven players behind the ball early on.

Compliant Guests Compound Their Own Miseries

West Ham were accommodating visitors, contributing to their own downfall. First, former Wolves captain Max Kilman failed to execute a routine clearance from a cross, letting Mané to pounce, before being fouled by Soungoutou Magassa inside the box. The 18-year-old player, once of Rochdale, emerged as the most influential man on the field. Hwang took responsibility to convert the resulting penalty, extending the advantage. Ironic chants of "We're going to win the league" rang around Molineux.

Short on belief and inspiration, West Ham were drifting away from the game despite controlling possession, registering just a single attempt in the first half.

The visitors' frustrations deepened shortly before halftime. The fearless Mané, a youngster among trepidatious senior players, turned beautifully, cut in from the left, and fired a driven shot into the bottom corner from 18 yards for his first professional goal. Finally, the Wolves fans were enjoying themselves.

Fruitless Second Period Response

With nothing to lose, manager Nuno made a double change at the interval and switched to a offensive 3-4-3 shape. Yet, key forward Jarrod Bowen remained quiet, and the introduction of Crysencio Summerville did not generate the required threat.

A lingering sense of nervousness still affected Wolves' judgment, unsure whether to clear the ball long or build from the back. However, they had no need to been concerned against such meek resistance. West Ham's inherent deficiencies became increasingly obvious as they produced nothing of note in the attacking areas.

Crucial Fixtures Lie Ahead

In the end, Wolves were the sole side likely of increasing the scoreline, and West Ham will be thankful the embarrassment was not greater. Focus now turns to a pivotal Tuesday encounter at home to 17th-placed Nottingham Forest, a match vital in the battle for top-flight survival. On this evidence, West Ham have cause to be afraid.