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This defeat represents one more demoralizing episode in a troubled season for West Ham, raising serious doubts about the future of their manager. The London club had the misfortune of becoming the first team to succumb to Wolves this term, allowing the Midlands team to double their league points and lift their aspirations of avoiding a place in the record books as the least successful team in Premier League history.

Dominant Opening Display Seals Long-Awaited Win

Within the first four minutes of the match, Wolves managed to show signs of discovering much-needed resolve. The lively Hwang Hee-chan offered a taste of his revitalised form with a long run before laying on an assist following sharp combination play with Mateus Mané. The resulting pull-back found an untracked Jhon Arias, who tapped in from point-blank range to give Wolves a home lead for the first time since October. Energy could be felt both on the pitch and in the stands, a sight for much of the season.

Facing a team woefully short on confidence and missing creative player Lucas Paquetá through injury, this was the hosts' best chance for a victory this season. At first unnerved by taking the lead, Wolves chose to defend it fiercely, falling deep with all players behind the ball from an early stage.

Generous Guests Add to Their Own Problems

West Ham were accommodating visitors, contributing to their own demise. First, former Wolves captain Max Kilman failed to execute a routine clearance from a cross, letting Mané to pounce, only to be fouled by Soungoutou Magassa inside the box. The 18-year-old player, once of Rochdale, emerged as the key figure on the field. Hwang stepped up to score the resulting spot-kick, doubling the advantage. Ironic chants of "We're going to win the league" echoed around Molineux.

Lacking belief and ideas, West Ham were drifting away from the contest despite dominating the ball, registering just a solitary attempt in the opening period.

The visitors' woes were compounded just prior to halftime. The fearless Mané, a youth among trepidatious adults, turned beautifully, cut in from the left, and unleashed a low effort into the bottom corner from outside the box for his first senior goal. Finally, the Wolves supporters could enjoy themselves.

Ineffective Second-Half Response

With little to lose, manager Nuno made a double substitution at the interval and switched to a more attacking 3-4-3 shape. However, star forward Jarrod Bowen remained quiet, and even introduction of Crysencio Summerville did not generate the required spark.

A persistent feeling of nervousness continued to affected Wolves' judgment, unsure whether to clear the ball to safety or build patiently. But, they had no need to worried against such passive opponents. West Ham's own failings were increasingly obvious as they produced nothing of substance in the attacking areas.

Critical Matches Lie Ahead

Ultimately, Wolves were the only side capable of increasing the tally, and West Ham will be thankful the embarrassment was not more severe. Focus now turns to a pivotal midweek fixture at home to 17th-placed Nottingham Forest, a match essential in the fight for Premier League survival. Based on this evidence, West Ham should have cause to be very worried.