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This latest setback represents another demoralizing chapter in a torrid season for West Ham, raising significant questions about the future of their manager. The London club became the first team to succumb to Wolves this term, enabling the Midlands team to double their points tally and lift their aspirations of avoiding the tag in the history books as the least successful team in Premier League annals.

Commanding First-Half Performance Seals Long-Awaited Victory

Within four minutes of the match, Wolves managed to give the impression of finding some confidence. The energetic Hwang Hee-chan offered a taste of his rejuvenated abilities with a long run before turning provider following sharp combination play with Mateus Mané. His cut-back found an unmarked Jhon Arias, who slid home from close range to give Wolves a home lead for the first time since October. Energy was evident both on the pitch and in the terraces, a rarity for much of the season.

Facing a side woefully out of form and missing creative talent Lucas Paquetá through injury, this represented the hosts' clearest chance for a victory this season. At first confused by being ahead, Wolves chose to protect it doggedly, falling back with eleven players behind the ball early on.

Generous Opponents Add to West Ham's Problems

West Ham were accommodating visitors, contributing to their own downfall. First, former Wolves captain Max Kilman was unable to execute a routine clearance from a cross, allowing Mané to pounce, only to be brought down by Soungoutou Magassa in the box. The teenage midfielder, once of Rochdale, was proving the key man 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 confidence and ideas, West Ham were drifting out of the game even with controlling the ball, registering just a single attempt in the first half.

The away side's woes were compounded shortly before halftime. The fearless Mané, a youngster among nervous adults, turned exquisitely, drove infield from the left flank, and fired a driven shot into the bottom corner from outside the box for his first professional goal. Finally, the home supporters were enjoying themselves.

Ineffective Second-Half Comeback Attempt

With nothing to lose, coach Nuno made a double substitution at half-time and altered to a offensive 3-4-3 formation. However, star forward Jarrod Bowen was muted, and even introduction of Crysencio Summerville did not provide the required threat.

A persistent sense of anxiety still affected Wolves' judgment, unsure whether to hoof the ball long or build from the back. However, they need not have been concerned against such meek resistance. West Ham's inherent failings were increasingly obvious as they produced very little of note in the attacking areas.

Crucial Matches On the Horizon

Ultimately, Wolves were the only side capable of adding to the tally, and West Ham will be relieved the damage was not more severe. Attention now shifts to a pivotal midweek fixture at home to relegation-threatened Nottingham Forest, a match vital in the fight for top-flight survival. On this evidence, West Ham have every reason to be very worried.