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This setback constitutes one more demoralizing chapter in an torrid season for West Ham, amplifying significant doubts about the prospects of their manager. The London club had the misfortune of becoming the first team to lose to Wolves in this campaign, allowing the West Midlands side to double their points tally and lift their aspirations of avoiding a place in the record books as the least successful team in Premier League history.

Dominant First-Half Performance Seals Historic Triumph

Within four minutes of the match, Wolves were able to demonstrate of discovering much-needed resolve. The lively Hwang Hee-chan provided a taste of his revitalised form with a long run before turning provider thanks to sharp combination play with Mateus Mané. The resulting cut-back found an untracked Jhon Arias, who tapped in from point-blank range to give Wolves a home lead for the first time since early October. Energy could be felt both on the field and in the stands, a rarity for most of the term.

Facing a side terribly out of form and missing creative player Lucas Paquetá through injury, this was the home side's clearest opportunity for a win this season. At first unnerved by taking the lead, Wolves opted to defend it fiercely, falling deep with eleven men behind the ball early on.

Compliant Opponents Add to Their Own Problems

West Ham proved accommodating visitors, contributing to their own downfall. First, former Wolves captain Max Kilman failed to make a routine clearance from a cross, allowing Mané to pounce, only to be fouled by Soungoutou Magassa inside the penalty area. The teenage midfielder, formerly of Rochdale, emerged as the key man on the field. Hwang took responsibility to convert the resulting spot-kick, doubling the lead. Ironic chants of "We will win the league" rang around Molineux.

Short on confidence and ideas, West Ham were drifting out of the contest even with dominating the ball, registering just a single attempt in the first half.

The away side's frustrations were compounded shortly before halftime. The fearless Mané, a youth among nervous adults, turned exquisitely, drove infield from the left flank, and unleashed a driven effort into the far corner from 18 yards for his first senior goal. Finally, the Wolves supporters could enjoy themselves.

Fruitless Second-Half Response

With little to lose, coach Nuno made a two substitution at half-time and switched to a more attacking 3-4-3 shape. However, key attacker Jarrod Bowen remained quiet, and even introduction of Crysencio Summerville failed to provide the required spark.

A lingering feeling of nervousness still affected Wolves' judgment, uncertain whether to clear the ball to safety or build from the back. However, they need not have worried against such meek opponents. West Ham's own deficiencies were increasingly obvious as they created very little of substance in the final third.

Crucial Fixtures Lie Ahead

In the end, Wolves looked like the sole side capable of increasing the tally, and West Ham will be thankful the embarrassment was not greater. Focus now shifts to a critical Tuesday encounter at home to 17th-placed Nottingham Forest, a match vital in the fight for top-flight safety. Based on this evidence, West Ham have cause to be afraid.