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This latest defeat constitutes one more humiliating chapter in a difficult season for West Ham, amplifying major doubts about the prospects of their manager. The London club had the misfortune of becoming the initial team to fall to Wolves this term, allowing the Midlands team to increase their league points and lift their aspirations of evading a place in the record books as the least successful team in Premier League history.

Dominant Opening Display Secures Long-Awaited Victory

Fewer than four minutes of the match, Wolves were able to demonstrate of finding some resolve. The lively Hwang Hee-chan offered a taste of his revitalised form with a long run before laying on an assist following sharp link-up play with Mateus Mané. His 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 October. Energy could be felt both on the pitch and in the terraces, a rarity for much of the term.

Facing a side terribly out of form and deprived of key talent Lucas Paquetá due to injury, this represented the hosts' clearest opportunity for a win this season. Initially confused by taking the lead, Wolves opted to defend it fiercely, falling deep with all players behind the ball from an early stage.

Generous Guests Compound West Ham's Problems

West Ham proved generous guests, contributing to their own downfall. First, ex- Wolves captain Max Kilman failed to execute a routine clearance from a cross, allowing Mané to intervene, before being fouled by Soungoutou Magassa in the penalty area. The teenage midfielder, once of Rochdale, was proving the most influential figure on the field. Hwang stepped up to convert the resulting penalty, doubling the lead. Ironic chants of "We will win the league" rang around Molineux.

Lacking belief and inspiration, West Ham drifted away from the game even with dominating possession, managing just a single shot in the opening period.

The away side's woes were compounded just prior to halftime. The fearless Mané, a youth among nervous senior players, turned exquisitely, cut in from the left, and unleashed a driven effort into the far corner from 18 yards for his first senior goal. At last, the Wolves fans could enjoy themselves.

Fruitless Second Period Comeback Attempt

With little to lose, manager Nuno introduced a two substitution at half-time and altered to a offensive 3-4-3 formation. However, star attacker Jarrod Bowen remained quiet, and the introduction of Crysencio Summerville failed to generate the necessary spark.

A persistent sense of anxiety still clouded Wolves' judgment, uncertain whether to hoof the ball long or play out patiently. But, they need not have been concerned against such meek opponents. West Ham's own failings became painfully apparent as they produced nothing of note in the attacking areas.

Crucial Matches On the Horizon

Ultimately, Wolves looked like the sole side likely of adding to the scoreline, and West Ham will be thankful the damage was not greater. Attention now turns to a critical midweek fixture at home to relegation-threatened Nottingham Forest, a match essential in the fight for top-flight survival. On this evidence, West Ham have every reason to be afraid.