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This latest defeat constitutes one more embarrassing chapter in an torrid season for West Ham, amplifying major questions about the prospects of their manager. The London club had the misfortune of becoming the first team to succumb to Wolves this term, allowing the West Midlands team to double their points tally and lift their aspirations of avoiding a place in the record books as the least successful team in Premier League annals.

Commanding Opening Performance Secures Historic Win

Within four minutes into the match, Wolves managed to show signs of finding much-needed resolve. The energetic Hwang Hee-chan provided a taste of his revitalised abilities with a long run before turning provider following sharp combination play with Mateus Mané. The resulting pull-back found an unmarked Jhon Arias, who slid home from close range to give Wolves a home lead for the first time since early October. Energy was evident equally on the field and in the terraces, a rarity for most of the term.

Facing a team woefully out of form and deprived of creative player Lucas Paquetá through injury, this was the home side's best opportunity for a victory this season. Initially unnerved by taking the lead, Wolves chose to defend it doggedly, falling back with all players behind the ball early on.

Compliant Guests Compound Their Own Miseries

West Ham proved accommodating visitors, contributing to their own demise. First, ex- Wolves captain Max Kilman failed to make a routine clearance from a cross, allowing Mané to pounce, only to be fouled by Soungoutou Magassa in the box. The 18-year-old midfielder, formerly of Rochdale, emerged as the key man on the field. Hwang stepped up to convert the subsequent spot-kick, doubling the lead. Tongue-in-cheek chants of "We're going to win the league" rang around Molineux.

Lacking confidence and ideas, West Ham drifted out of the contest even with dominating possession, managing just a solitary attempt in the opening period.

The away side's frustrations were compounded just prior to halftime. The confident Mané, a youngster among nervous senior players, turned exquisitely, cut in from the left, and unleashed a driven shot into the bottom corner from outside the box for his maiden professional goal. At last, the home fans could enjoy themselves.

Fruitless Second-Half Response

With little to lose, coach Nuno introduced a double change at half-time and switched to a more attacking 3-4-3 formation. Yet, star forward Jarrod Bowen was muted, and even introduction of Crysencio Summerville did not provide the necessary threat.

A persistent sense of anxiety continued to affected Wolves' decision-making, uncertain whether to clear the ball to safety or build from the back. However, they need not have worried against such meek resistance. West Ham's own deficiencies were increasingly apparent as they produced nothing of note in the attacking areas.

Crucial Matches On the Horizon

Ultimately, Wolves looked like the only side likely of increasing the scoreline, and West Ham will be thankful the embarrassment was not greater. Attention now turns to a pivotal midweek fixture at home to relegation-threatened Nottingham Forest, a match essential in the battle for top-flight survival. On this evidence, West Ham should have cause to be afraid.