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This loss constitutes a further humiliating chapter in a difficult season for West Ham, raising serious doubts about the future of their manager. The Hammers became the initial team to succumb to Wolves in this campaign, allowing the Midlands team to increase their league points and lift their aspirations of avoiding a place in the history books as the worst team in Premier League history.

Dominant First-Half Display Secures Historic Victory

Within four minutes into the match, Wolves were able to give the impression of discovering some confidence. The energetic Hwang Hee-chan provided a glimpse of his rejuvenated form with a lengthy run before turning provider thanks to neat link-up play with Mateus Mané. The resulting cut-back found an untracked Jhon Arias, who tapped in from close range to give Wolves a home lead for the first time since October. Vibrancy could be felt equally on the field and in the terraces, a rarity for most of the term.

Facing a side terribly short on confidence and deprived of creative player Lucas Paquetá due to injury, this represented the hosts' best opportunity for a win this season. Initially confused by being ahead, Wolves opted to protect it doggedly, falling deep with all players behind the ball from an early stage.

Generous Opponents Add to West Ham's Miseries

West Ham were accommodating visitors, adding to their own demise. First, former Wolves captain Max Kilman failed to make a routine clearance from a cross, letting Mané to intervene, before being fouled by Soungoutou Magassa inside the box. The teenage player, formerly of Rochdale, was proving the key man on the field. Hwang stepped up to score the subsequent penalty, extending the lead. Ironic chants of "We're going to win the league" echoed around Molineux.

Short on belief and ideas, West Ham drifted out of the contest even with dominating possession, registering just a single shot in the opening period.

The away side's woes were compounded shortly before halftime. The fearless Mané, a youngster among nervous adults, spun beautifully, drove infield from the left flank, and fired a low effort into the far corner from 18 yards for his first professional goal. Finally, the Wolves fans could enjoy themselves.

Ineffective Second Period Comeback Attempt

With little to lose, manager Nuno introduced a double substitution at the interval and switched to a offensive 3-4-3 shape. However, key attacker Jarrod Bowen remained muted, and even introduction of Crysencio Summerville failed to provide the necessary spark.

A persistent feeling of nervousness continued to clouded Wolves' decision-making, uncertain whether to hoof the ball long or play out from the back. However, they had no need to worried against such passive opponents. West Ham's inherent failings became painfully obvious as they created very little of substance in the final third.

Critical Matches On the Horizon

In the end, Wolves looked like the only side capable of increasing the scoreline, and West Ham will be thankful the damage was not greater. Attention now turns to a critical Tuesday encounter at home to relegation-threatened Nottingham Forest, a match vital in the battle for Premier League safety. On this evidence, the Hammers should have cause to be very worried.