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This setback marks a further embarrassing chapter in a troubled season for West Ham, increasing serious doubts about the future of their manager. The London club became the first team to succumb to Wolves in this campaign, allowing the Midlands team to double their points tally and boost their aspirations of avoiding the tag in the record books as the worst team in Premier League annals.

Dominant Opening Performance Seals Historic Win

Within the first four minutes into the match, Wolves were able to show signs of finding much-needed resolution. The energetic Hwang Hee-chan provided a taste of his rejuvenated form with a long run before turning provider following sharp link-up play with Mateus Mané. His pull-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 was evident both on the pitch and in the stands, a rarity for much of the season.

Facing a side woefully out of form and deprived of creative player Lucas Paquetá due to injury, this represented the hosts' clearest opportunity for a win this season. At first confused by taking the lead, Wolves chose to protect it doggedly, falling deep with all men behind the ball from an early stage.

Compliant Opponents Compound West Ham's Problems

West Ham were accommodating visitors, adding to their own downfall. First, former Wolves captain Max Kilman failed to make a routine clearance from a cross, letting Mané to intervene, only to be fouled by Soungoutou Magassa in the box. The teenage midfielder, once of Rochdale, emerged as the key figure on the pitch. Hwang stepped up to score the resulting penalty, doubling the lead. Ironic chants of "We're going to win the league" rang around Molineux.

Lacking belief and inspiration, West Ham drifted out of the contest even with controlling the ball, registering just a single shot in the opening period.

The visitors' woes were compounded shortly before halftime. The confident Mané, a youth among nervous adults, spun exquisitely, drove infield from the left flank, and fired a driven shot into the bottom corner from outside the box for his maiden senior goal. At last, the home fans could enjoy themselves.

Fruitless Second Period Comeback Attempt

With little to lose, manager Nuno introduced a two change at half-time and altered to a more attacking 3-4-3 shape. However, key attacker Jarrod Bowen remained muted, and the introduction of Crysencio Summerville did not generate the necessary threat.

A persistent feeling of anxiety still affected Wolves' decision-making, unsure whether to hoof the ball long or build from the back. However, they had no need to been concerned against such passive opponents. West Ham's own deficiencies became painfully obvious as they created nothing of substance in the attacking areas.

Crucial Matches Lie Ahead

Ultimately, Wolves looked like the only side capable of increasing the tally, and West Ham will be thankful the embarrassment was not more severe. Focus now shifts to a critical midweek encounter at home to 17th-placed Nottingham Forest, a match essential in the fight for Premier League survival. On this showing, the Hammers have cause to be very worried.