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This setback marks another humiliating chapter in a troubled season for West Ham, increasing major doubts about the future of their manager. The Hammers became the initial team to fall to Wolves in this campaign, allowing the West Midlands outfit to double their points tally and boost their hopes of avoiding a place in the record books as the worst team in Premier League annals.

Commanding Opening Display Secures Historic Victory

Within the first four minutes into the match, Wolves managed to show signs of finding some resolve. The energetic Hwang Hee-chan offered a taste of his revitalised form with a long run before turning provider thanks to sharp link-up play with Mateus Mané. His cut-back found an unmarked Jhon Arias, who tapped in from close range to give Wolves a home lead for the first time since October. Energy was evident equally on the pitch and in the stands, a rarity for most of the season.

Facing a team woefully short on confidence and missing creative talent Lucas Paquetá due to injury, this represented the home side's best opportunity for a victory to date. Initially confused by being ahead, Wolves opted to protect it fiercely, dropping deep with eleven players behind the ball early on.

Compliant Opponents Compound West Ham's Problems

West Ham were accommodating visitors, contributing to their own downfall. First, former Wolves captain Max Kilman was unable to make a routine clearance from a cross, allowing Mané to pounce, before being brought down by Soungoutou Magassa inside the penalty area. The teenage player, once of Rochdale, emerged as the most influential man on the pitch. Hwang stepped up to convert the resulting spot-kick, extending the advantage. Ironic chants of "We're going to win the league" echoed around Molineux.

Short on belief and inspiration, West Ham were drifting away from the game even with controlling possession, managing just a single shot in the first half.

The visitors' frustrations were compounded just prior to halftime. The confident Mané, a youth among nervous senior players, turned exquisitely, drove infield from the left flank, and unleashed a low shot into the far corner from 18 yards for his first professional goal. Finally, the Wolves fans could enjoy themselves.

Ineffective Second Period Comeback Attempt

With nothing to lose, manager Nuno made a two change at the interval and altered to a offensive 3-4-3 shape. Yet, key forward Jarrod Bowen was quiet, and the introduction of Crysencio Summerville failed to generate the necessary spark.

A persistent feeling of nervousness still affected Wolves' decision-making, uncertain whether to hoof the ball long or build from the back. However, they had no need to been concerned against such meek opponents. West Ham's own deficiencies became painfully apparent as they created very little of substance in the final third.

Critical Fixtures On the Horizon

In the end, Wolves looked like the only side capable of adding to the tally, and West Ham will be thankful the embarrassment was not greater. Focus now turns to a critical Tuesday encounter at home to 17th-placed Nottingham Forest, a match essential in the fight for Premier League survival. On this showing, West Ham have cause to be afraid.