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This latest loss marks one more humiliating episode in an troubled season for West Ham, increasing serious doubts about the future of their manager. The London club became the first team to fall to Wolves this term, allowing the West Midlands outfit to double their points tally and lift their hopes of evading a place in the history books as the least successful team in Premier League history.

Dominant Opening Display Secures Long-Awaited Win

Fewer than the first four minutes of the match, Wolves were able to show signs of discovering much-needed resolution. The lively Hwang Hee-chan offered a taste of his rejuvenated abilities with a lengthy run before turning provider following neat combination play with Mateus Mané. His cut-back found an unmarked Jhon Arias, who tapped in from close range to give Wolves a home lead for the first time since October. Energy was evident equally on the field and in the stands, a sight for most of the season.

Facing a team woefully out of form and deprived of key player Lucas Paquetá due to injury, this represented the home side's best opportunity for a win to date. Initially confused by being ahead, Wolves chose to defend it doggedly, falling deep with eleven players behind the ball early on.

Compliant Guests Compound West Ham's Problems

West Ham were generous guests, contributing to their own downfall. First, former Wolves captain Max Kilman failed to make a routine clearance from a cross, allowing Mané to intervene, before being brought down by Soungoutou Magassa inside the penalty area. The teenage player, once of Rochdale, emerged as the key figure on the pitch. Hwang took responsibility to convert the resulting spot-kick, doubling the lead. Tongue-in-cheek 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 opening period.

The visitors' frustrations were compounded shortly before halftime. The confident Mané, a youngster among nervous adults, turned beautifully, drove infield from the left, and fired a low effort into the far corner from outside the box for his maiden professional goal. Finally, the home supporters could enjoy themselves.

Ineffective Second Period Response

With little to lose, manager Nuno made a double substitution at half-time and switched to a offensive 3-4-3 shape. Yet, star forward Jarrod Bowen remained quiet, and the introduction of Crysencio Summerville failed to generate the required threat.

A persistent sense of anxiety continued to clouded Wolves' decision-making, uncertain whether to clear the ball to safety or play out from the back. But, they need not have been concerned against such meek opponents. West Ham's own deficiencies were painfully apparent as they produced nothing of note in the attacking areas.

Crucial Fixtures On the Horizon

Ultimately, Wolves looked like the sole side likely of increasing the scoreline, and West Ham will be relieved the damage was not greater. Focus now shifts to a pivotal midweek fixture at home to relegation-threatened Nottingham Forest, a match essential in the battle for Premier League safety. On this evidence, West Ham have every reason to be afraid.