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This latest setback marks another embarrassing chapter in a troubled season for West Ham, raising serious doubts about the prospects of their manager. The Hammers had the misfortune of becoming the first team to fall to Wolves this term, allowing the West Midlands team to double their points tally and lift their hopes of evading the tag in the history books as the worst team in Premier League history.

Dominant First-Half Display Seals Historic Victory

Fewer than the first four minutes into the match, Wolves were able to demonstrate of finding some resolve. The lively Hwang Hee-chan provided a taste of his rejuvenated form with a lengthy run before laying on an assist following neat link-up play with Mateus Mané. His pull-back found an untracked Jhon Arias, who tapped in from point-blank range to give Wolves a lead at Molineux for the first time since early October. Vibrancy was evident both on the field and in the terraces, a rarity for much of the term.

Facing a side terribly out of form and missing key player Lucas Paquetá through injury, this was the hosts' clearest chance for a victory this season. Initially confused by being ahead, Wolves chose to protect it doggedly, falling back with all men behind the ball from an early stage.

Compliant Opponents Compound Their Own Problems

West Ham were accommodating visitors, adding to their own downfall. First, former Wolves captain Max Kilman failed to make a routine clearance from a cross, letting Mané to pounce, before being brought down by Soungoutou Magassa in the box. The 18-year-old player, once of Rochdale, was proving the key man on the field. Hwang took responsibility to score the subsequent spot-kick, doubling the lead. Tongue-in-cheek chants of "We're going to win the league" echoed around Molineux.

Lacking confidence and inspiration, West Ham drifted away from the game even with controlling possession, managing just a solitary attempt in the first half.

The away side's frustrations deepened just prior to halftime. The confident Mané, a youth among nervous adults, spun exquisitely, cut in from the left flank, and unleashed a driven effort into the bottom corner from outside the box for his maiden senior goal. Finally, the Wolves fans could enjoy themselves.

Fruitless Second-Half Comeback Attempt

With little to lose, coach Nuno introduced a double change at the interval and switched to a offensive 3-4-3 formation. However, key forward Jarrod Bowen was quiet, and even introduction of Crysencio Summerville did not generate the required threat.

A persistent feeling of nervousness continued to affected Wolves' decision-making, uncertain whether to hoof the ball long or play out from the back. However, they need not have been concerned against such passive resistance. West Ham's inherent deficiencies became increasingly obvious as they created very little of note in the final third.

Critical Fixtures Lie Ahead

Ultimately, Wolves were the only side capable of increasing the scoreline, and West Ham will be thankful the embarrassment was not greater. Focus now turns to a pivotal midweek encounter at home to 17th-placed Nottingham Forest, a match vital in the fight for Premier League safety. Based on this showing, the Hammers have every reason to be afraid.