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This latest defeat constitutes a further demoralizing chapter in an troubled season for West Ham, raising serious questions about the prospects of their manager. The London club had the misfortune of becoming the first team to succumb to Wolves in this campaign, allowing the West Midlands outfit to double their points tally and boost their hopes of avoiding the tag in the history books as the least successful team in Premier League history.

Dominant First-Half Display Secures Long-Awaited Win

Fewer than four minutes into the match, Wolves were able to give the impression of discovering some resolve. The lively Hwang Hee-chan offered a taste of his revitalised form with a lengthy run before turning provider following neat link-up play with Mateus Mané. His cut-back found an untracked Jhon Arias, who slid home from close range to give Wolves a home lead for the first time since October. Vibrancy was evident both on the field and in the terraces, a sight for most of the term.

Facing a side woefully out of form and deprived of key talent Lucas Paquetá through injury, this was the home side's clearest chance for a win to date. Initially confused by being ahead, Wolves chose to protect it fiercely, falling back with all players behind the ball early on.

Compliant Opponents Compound Their Own Miseries

West Ham proved generous visitors, adding to their own downfall. First, ex- Wolves captain Max Kilman was unable to execute a simple clearance from a cross, letting Mané to intervene, before being brought down by Soungoutou Magassa inside the penalty area. The 18-year-old player, once of Rochdale, was proving the key man on the pitch. Hwang stepped up to convert the subsequent penalty, doubling the advantage. Ironic chants of "We're going to win the league" echoed around Molineux.

Short on confidence and ideas, West Ham were drifting away from the game even with dominating possession, managing just a solitary attempt in the opening period.

The visitors' woes deepened just prior to halftime. The fearless Mané, a youngster among nervous adults, turned exquisitely, cut in from the left, and fired a low effort into the far corner from 18 yards for his maiden professional goal. At last, the home supporters were enjoying themselves.

Ineffective Second Period Response

With nothing to lose, manager Nuno made a double change at the interval and switched to a offensive 3-4-3 shape. Yet, star forward Jarrod Bowen remained muted, and the introduction of Crysencio Summerville failed to provide the required spark.

A lingering sense of nervousness still clouded Wolves' decision-making, unsure whether to hoof the ball long or build patiently. However, they need not have worried against such passive resistance. West Ham's own failings were painfully obvious as they created nothing of substance in the final third.

Crucial Matches On the Horizon

Ultimately, Wolves looked like the sole side likely of adding to the tally, and West Ham will be thankful the damage was not greater. Focus now shifts to a critical Tuesday encounter at home to relegation-threatened Nottingham Forest, a match essential in the battle for Premier League safety. On this showing, the Hammers have every reason to be very worried.