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This defeat represents a further embarrassing episode in a difficult season for West Ham, raising major doubts about the future of their manager. The Hammers had the misfortune of becoming the initial team to lose to Wolves this term, enabling the West Midlands outfit to double their points tally and boost their hopes of avoiding the tag in the record books as the least successful team in Premier League annals.

Commanding First-Half Performance Seals Long-Awaited Victory

Within the first four minutes into the match, Wolves managed to show signs of discovering some resolution. The energetic Hwang Hee-chan provided a glimpse of his rejuvenated form with a lengthy run before turning provider thanks to sharp combination play with Mateus Mané. The resulting pull-back found an untracked Jhon Arias, who slid home from close range to give Wolves a home lead for the first time since October. Energy was evident both on the field and in the terraces, a sight for most of the season.

Facing a side terribly out of form and missing creative player Lucas Paquetá due to injury, this was the hosts' best chance for a victory this season. Initially confused by taking the lead, Wolves opted to defend it fiercely, dropping deep with all men behind the ball early on.

Generous Opponents Add to West Ham's Problems

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, only to be fouled by Soungoutou Magassa inside the box. The 18-year-old player, once of Rochdale, emerged as the most influential man on the field. Hwang took responsibility to score the resulting spot-kick, doubling the lead. Ironic chants of "We will win the league" rang around Molineux.

Short on belief and inspiration, West Ham drifted out of the game even with dominating possession, managing just a single shot in the first half.

The away side's frustrations were compounded shortly before halftime. The confident Mané, a youngster among trepidatious adults, spun exquisitely, drove infield from the left, and unleashed a driven shot into the bottom corner from outside the box for his first professional goal. At last, the Wolves fans were enjoying themselves.

Fruitless Second Period Comeback Attempt

With nothing to lose, coach Nuno introduced a double change at half-time and switched to a offensive 3-4-3 formation. However, star attacker Jarrod Bowen remained muted, and the introduction of Crysencio Summerville failed to provide the required threat.

A persistent feeling of anxiety continued to clouded Wolves' decision-making, unsure whether to clear the ball long or play out from the back. But, they had no need to worried against such meek resistance. West Ham's own failings were painfully apparent as they created nothing of substance in the attacking areas.

Crucial Fixtures On the Horizon

Ultimately, Wolves looked like the sole side likely of increasing the scoreline, and West Ham will be relieved the damage was not greater. Attention now turns to a critical Tuesday encounter at home to 17th-placed Nottingham Forest, a match vital in the fight for Premier League survival. On this evidence, West Ham should have cause to be afraid.