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This latest loss marks a further demoralizing chapter in an torrid season for West Ham, increasing significant questions about the future of their manager. The Hammers had the misfortune of becoming the first team to fall to Wolves in this campaign, allowing the Midlands side to double their points tally and lift their hopes of evading the tag in the history books as the least successful team in Premier League annals.

Dominant Opening Display Seals Historic Win

Fewer than four minutes into the match, Wolves managed to give the impression of discovering much-needed resolve. The energetic Hwang Hee-chan provided a taste of his rejuvenated abilities with a lengthy run before turning provider thanks to neat link-up play with Mateus Mané. His pull-back found an unmarked Jhon Arias, who tapped in from close range to give Wolves a home lead for the first time since October. Vibrancy could be felt both on the field and in the terraces, a sight for most of the season.

Facing a side terribly short on confidence and deprived of creative player Lucas Paquetá due to injury, this was the hosts' clearest opportunity for a victory to date. Initially unnerved by taking the lead, Wolves opted to protect it fiercely, falling deep with eleven players behind the ball from an early stage.

Compliant Opponents Add to Their Own Miseries

West Ham proved generous visitors, adding to their own downfall. First, ex- Wolves captain Max Kilman was unable to execute a simple clearance from a cross, allowing Mané to pounce, before being brought down by Soungoutou Magassa in the box. The 18-year-old player, formerly of Rochdale, was proving the key man on the field. Hwang took responsibility to score the subsequent penalty, extending the advantage. Tongue-in-cheek chants of "We will win the league" echoed around Molineux.

Short on belief and inspiration, West Ham drifted out of the game even with dominating the ball, managing just a solitary attempt in the first half.

The visitors' frustrations deepened just prior to halftime. The confident Mané, a youngster among nervous senior players, spun beautifully, drove infield from the left, and fired a low shot into the bottom corner from 18 yards for his maiden professional goal. At last, the home fans could enjoy themselves.

Ineffective Second-Half Comeback Attempt

With little to lose, coach Nuno made a double change at half-time and altered to a offensive 3-4-3 shape. Yet, star forward Jarrod Bowen remained muted, and even introduction of Crysencio Summerville did not generate the necessary threat.

A persistent sense of nervousness still clouded Wolves' decision-making, uncertain whether to clear the ball long or play out patiently. However, they had no need to been concerned against such passive resistance. West Ham's own deficiencies became increasingly apparent as they produced very little of note in the final third.

Critical Matches On the Horizon

In the end, Wolves were the only side capable of increasing the scoreline, and West Ham will be relieved the damage was not greater. Focus now turns to a pivotal Tuesday encounter at home to relegation-threatened Nottingham Forest, a match essential in the battle for top-flight survival. Based on this evidence, West Ham should have every reason to be very worried.