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This latest loss represents a further humiliating episode in an troubled season for West Ham, raising significant questions about the prospects of their manager. The London club became the initial team to fall to Wolves this term, enabling the West Midlands side to double their points tally and lift their aspirations of evading the tag in the history books as the worst team in Premier League history.

Dominant First-Half Performance Seals Historic Win

Within four minutes of the match, Wolves managed to demonstrate of finding much-needed confidence. The lively Hwang Hee-chan provided a taste of his revitalised form with a long run before laying on an assist following neat link-up play with Mateus Mané. His cut-back found an unmarked Jhon Arias, who slid home from point-blank range to give Wolves a lead at Molineux for the first time since early October. Energy was evident both on the field and in the stands, a sight for most of the term.

Facing a side terribly short on confidence and missing key player Lucas Paquetá through injury, this was the home side's clearest chance for a victory to date. At first confused by taking the lead, Wolves opted to protect it doggedly, falling back with all men behind the ball early on.

Compliant Guests Add to West Ham's Problems

West Ham were generous visitors, contributing to their own demise. First, ex- Wolves captain Max Kilman was unable to make a simple clearance from a cross, letting Mané to pounce, before being fouled by Soungoutou Magassa in the penalty area. The teenage midfielder, once of Rochdale, emerged as the most influential man on the pitch. Hwang stepped up to convert the resulting spot-kick, doubling the advantage. Ironic chants of "We're going to win the league" echoed around Molineux.

Lacking confidence and ideas, West Ham drifted away from the contest despite dominating possession, registering just a single shot in the opening period.

The visitors' woes were compounded shortly before halftime. The confident Mané, a youth among nervous adults, turned beautifully, cut in from the left, and fired a driven shot into the bottom corner from 18 yards for his maiden professional goal. Finally, the Wolves fans could enjoy themselves.

Fruitless Second-Half Comeback Attempt

With nothing to lose, coach Nuno introduced a two change at the interval and switched to a more attacking 3-4-3 formation. Yet, star forward Jarrod Bowen was quiet, and the introduction of Crysencio Summerville did not provide the necessary threat.

A persistent feeling of nervousness continued to clouded Wolves' judgment, unsure whether to clear the ball long or build from the back. But, they had no need to worried against such passive resistance. West Ham's own deficiencies became painfully obvious as they created nothing of substance in the final third.

Critical Matches Lie Ahead

In the end, Wolves looked like the sole side capable of adding to the tally, and West Ham will be relieved the damage was not greater. Attention now turns to a pivotal midweek fixture at home to relegation-threatened Nottingham Forest, a match essential in the fight for Premier League survival. Based on this showing, West Ham should have every reason to be afraid.