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This setback constitutes one more embarrassing episode in an difficult season for West Ham, amplifying serious questions about the prospects of their manager. The London club became the first team to succumb to Wolves this term, enabling the West Midlands side to increase their points tally and lift their aspirations of evading the tag in the history books as the worst team in Premier League history.

Dominant Opening Performance Secures Long-Awaited Victory

Within four minutes into the match, Wolves were able to give the impression of discovering much-needed confidence. The energetic Hwang Hee-chan offered a glimpse of his revitalised form with a lengthy run before laying on an assist following sharp link-up play with Mateus Mané. His pull-back found an unmarked Jhon Arias, who tapped in from close range to give Wolves a lead at Molineux for the first time since October. Energy could be felt both on the pitch and in the terraces, a rarity for much of the term.

Facing a team terribly out of form and missing key talent Lucas Paquetá through injury, this was the hosts' clearest opportunity for a win to date. At first unnerved by taking the lead, Wolves chose to defend it doggedly, falling deep with eleven men behind the ball early on.

Compliant Guests Add to West Ham's Problems

West Ham were generous visitors, adding to their own demise. First, former Wolves captain Max Kilman was unable to execute a simple clearance from a cross, letting Mané to intervene, before being brought down by Soungoutou Magassa inside the penalty area. The teenage midfielder, once of Rochdale, emerged as the key figure on the field. Hwang took responsibility to convert the subsequent penalty, doubling the lead. Ironic chants of "We're going to win the league" echoed around Molineux.

Lacking belief and ideas, West Ham drifted out of the game despite controlling the ball, managing just a solitary shot in the first half.

The away side's frustrations deepened shortly before halftime. The confident Mané, a youngster among nervous adults, spun exquisitely, drove infield from the left flank, and fired a driven shot into the bottom corner from 18 yards for his first senior goal. Finally, the Wolves supporters were enjoying themselves.

Ineffective Second-Half Response

With nothing to lose, manager Nuno introduced a two change at half-time and switched to a more attacking 3-4-3 shape. Yet, star attacker Jarrod Bowen remained muted, and even introduction of Crysencio Summerville failed to generate the necessary threat.

A lingering sense of nervousness still clouded Wolves' judgment, uncertain whether to hoof the ball to safety or build patiently. But, they had no need to been concerned against such passive resistance. West Ham's inherent failings were painfully obvious as they produced nothing of substance in the attacking areas.

Crucial Matches On the Horizon

In the end, Wolves looked like the sole side likely of increasing the tally, and West Ham will be thankful the damage was not more severe. Attention now turns to a pivotal midweek fixture at home to 17th-placed Nottingham Forest, a match essential in the battle for top-flight safety. Based on this evidence, West Ham have cause to be afraid.