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This latest defeat marks one more humiliating episode in an troubled season for West Ham, amplifying significant questions about the future of their manager. The London club became the initial team to succumb to Wolves this term, allowing the Midlands side to double their league points and boost their hopes of evading the tag in the record books as the worst team in Premier League history.

Commanding Opening Display Secures Long-Awaited Victory

Within four minutes into the match, Wolves managed to demonstrate of discovering much-needed resolution. The lively Hwang Hee-chan offered a taste of his revitalised form with a long run before laying on an assist following neat combination play with Mateus Mané. The resulting cut-back found an untracked Jhon Arias, who slid home from point-blank range to give Wolves a home lead for the first time since early October. Vibrancy could be felt both on the field and in the terraces, a rarity for much of the season.

Facing a team woefully short on confidence and deprived of creative player Lucas Paquetá through injury, this was the home side's best chance for a win this season. Initially unnerved by being ahead, Wolves opted to protect it fiercely, dropping back with eleven players behind the ball from an early stage.

Compliant Guests Add to Their Own Miseries

West Ham proved generous visitors, contributing to their own demise. First, former Wolves captain Max Kilman was unable to make a routine clearance from a cross, allowing Mané to pounce, only to be brought down by Soungoutou Magassa inside the penalty area. The teenage player, once of Rochdale, was proving the key figure on the pitch. Hwang took responsibility to convert the subsequent spot-kick, doubling the lead. Ironic chants of "We're going to win the league" rang around Molineux.

Lacking belief and ideas, West Ham drifted out of the game even with controlling possession, managing just a single shot in the opening period.

The visitors' frustrations deepened just prior to halftime. The confident Mané, a youngster among nervous senior players, spun beautifully, cut in from the left flank, and fired a low effort into the far corner from outside the box for his maiden senior goal. At last, the Wolves fans could enjoy themselves.

Ineffective Second Period Comeback Attempt

With nothing to lose, coach Nuno made a two substitution at the interval and switched to a offensive 3-4-3 shape. However, key attacker Jarrod Bowen remained muted, and the introduction of Crysencio Summerville did not provide the necessary threat.

A persistent sense of anxiety still affected Wolves' judgment, uncertain whether to clear the ball long or build from the back. But, they need not have worried against such meek resistance. West Ham's inherent deficiencies were painfully obvious as they created very little of substance in the final third.

Crucial Matches On the Horizon

In the end, Wolves looked like the sole side capable of adding to the scoreline, and West Ham will be thankful the damage was not greater. Focus now shifts to a pivotal midweek encounter at home to 17th-placed Nottingham Forest, a match essential in the fight for top-flight survival. On this showing, the Hammers have cause to be afraid.