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This latest loss marks a further humiliating episode in an troubled season for West Ham, raising major doubts about the future of their manager. The Hammers became the initial team to fall to Wolves this term, allowing the West Midlands team to increase their league points and lift their hopes of evading a place in the history books as the worst team in Premier League history.

Commanding Opening Display Seals Long-Awaited Victory

Within four minutes into the match, Wolves were able to show signs of finding some resolution. The energetic Hwang Hee-chan provided a glimpse of his rejuvenated abilities with a lengthy run before turning provider thanks to sharp combination play with Mateus Mané. The resulting cut-back found an untracked Jhon Arias, who slid home 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 terraces, a rarity for much of the season.

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

Compliant Guests Add to West Ham's Problems

West Ham proved accommodating guests, adding to their own downfall. First, former Wolves captain Max Kilman was unable to make a routine clearance from a cross, letting Mané to pounce, before being fouled by Soungoutou Magassa in the box. The 18-year-old player, formerly of Rochdale, emerged as the key figure on the field. Hwang stepped up to score the subsequent penalty, extending the lead. Tongue-in-cheek chants of "We will win the league" echoed around Molineux.

Short on confidence and ideas, West Ham drifted out of the game despite controlling possession, registering just a single 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 flank, and unleashed a driven effort into the bottom corner from outside the box for his first senior goal. Finally, the home supporters were enjoying themselves.

Fruitless Second-Half Response

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

A lingering sense of nervousness still affected Wolves' judgment, uncertain whether to clear the ball to safety or play out from the back. However, they need not have been concerned against such passive opponents. West Ham's inherent deficiencies became painfully obvious as they produced very little of substance in the final third.

Crucial Fixtures Lie Ahead

Ultimately, Wolves looked like the sole side likely of increasing the scoreline, and West Ham will be thankful the damage was not greater. Focus now shifts to a pivotal midweek encounter at home to 17th-placed Nottingham Forest, a match vital in the fight for top-flight survival. Based on this evidence, West Ham should have every reason to be very worried.