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This latest setback marks a further humiliating chapter in a difficult season for West Ham, increasing serious questions about the future of their manager. The London club had the misfortune of becoming the initial team to succumb to Wolves in this campaign, allowing the West Midlands outfit to increase their league points and lift their aspirations of evading a place in the record books as the worst team in Premier League history.

Dominant Opening Performance Secures Historic Triumph

Fewer than the first four minutes of the match, Wolves were able to show signs of discovering much-needed resolve. The lively Hwang Hee-chan offered a glimpse of his revitalised form with a lengthy run before laying on an assist thanks to neat link-up play with Mateus Mané. The resulting cut-back found an unmarked Jhon Arias, who tapped in from point-blank range to give Wolves a lead at Molineux for the first time since October. Energy could be felt both on the field and in the stands, a sight for much of the term.

Facing a team woefully out of form and deprived of creative talent Lucas Paquetá through injury, this represented the home side's best chance for a win this season. Initially unnerved by being ahead, Wolves opted to protect it doggedly, falling deep with all men behind the ball from an early stage.

Generous Guests Compound Their Own Miseries

West Ham proved generous visitors, contributing to their own downfall. First, former Wolves captain Max Kilman failed to execute a simple clearance from a cross, letting Mané to pounce, before being fouled by Soungoutou Magassa inside the penalty area. The teenage midfielder, formerly of Rochdale, emerged as the most influential figure on the pitch. Hwang stepped up to score the subsequent spot-kick, doubling the lead. Tongue-in-cheek chants of "We're going to win the league" echoed around Molineux.

Short on confidence and inspiration, West Ham were drifting out of the game even with dominating possession, registering just a solitary shot in the first half.

The away side's frustrations deepened just prior to halftime. The fearless Mané, a youth among trepidatious adults, turned beautifully, drove infield from the left, and fired a low effort into the far corner from 18 yards for his maiden professional goal. At last, the home fans were enjoying themselves.

Ineffective Second-Half Comeback Attempt

With little to lose, coach Nuno made a two change at half-time and switched to a more attacking 3-4-3 formation. Yet, star attacker Jarrod Bowen remained muted, and even introduction of Crysencio Summerville did not generate the required spark.

A lingering feeling of nervousness still affected Wolves' judgment, unsure whether to hoof the ball to safety or build patiently. However, they need not have worried against such passive resistance. West Ham's own failings were painfully apparent as they produced very little of substance in the attacking areas.

Critical Matches Lie Ahead

In the end, Wolves looked like the sole side likely of adding to the scoreline, and West Ham will be thankful the embarrassment was not greater. Attention now turns to a pivotal midweek fixture at home to 17th-placed Nottingham Forest, a match essential in the fight for Premier League safety. Based on this evidence, West Ham have cause to be afraid.