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This latest setback constitutes a further humiliating chapter in a difficult season for West Ham, amplifying serious questions about the future of their manager. The Hammers had the misfortune of becoming the first team to fall to Wolves this term, enabling the Midlands team to increase their league points and boost their hopes of evading the tag in the history books as the worst team in Premier League history.

Commanding First-Half Display Secures Historic Win

Within four minutes into the match, Wolves were able to give the impression of discovering much-needed confidence. The lively Hwang Hee-chan provided a taste of his rejuvenated abilities with a long run before laying on an assist thanks to neat link-up play with Mateus Mané. His pull-back found an unmarked Jhon Arias, who tapped in from close range to give Wolves a home lead for the first time since early October. Energy could be felt equally on the pitch and in the terraces, a rarity for most of the season.

Facing a team woefully short on confidence and deprived of creative player Lucas Paquetá due to injury, this represented the home side's best opportunity for a victory to date. Initially unnerved by being ahead, Wolves opted to protect it doggedly, falling deep with eleven men behind the ball from an early stage.

Compliant Opponents Add to Their Own Problems

West Ham proved accommodating visitors, contributing to their own demise. First, former Wolves captain Max Kilman failed to make a routine clearance from a cross, letting Mané to intervene, only to be fouled by Soungoutou Magassa inside the box. The 18-year-old player, formerly of Rochdale, was proving the most influential man on the pitch. Hwang stepped up to score the subsequent penalty, doubling the advantage. Tongue-in-cheek chants of "We're going to win the league" echoed around Molineux.

Lacking confidence and inspiration, West Ham were drifting out of the game even with controlling possession, registering just a single shot in the opening period.

The away side's frustrations deepened shortly before halftime. The confident Mané, a youngster among nervous adults, turned exquisitely, drove infield from the left flank, and fired a driven effort into the far corner from outside the box for his maiden senior goal. Finally, the Wolves supporters were enjoying themselves.

Ineffective Second Period Comeback Attempt

With little to lose, coach Nuno made a two substitution at half-time and switched to a more attacking 3-4-3 shape. However, star attacker Jarrod Bowen remained quiet, and even introduction of Crysencio Summerville failed to provide the necessary spark.

A lingering sense of nervousness still clouded Wolves' decision-making, uncertain whether to hoof the ball long or play out patiently. However, they need not have been concerned against such meek opponents. West Ham's own deficiencies were increasingly obvious as they created very little of substance in the final third.

Crucial Fixtures On the Horizon

Ultimately, Wolves were the only side likely of adding to the scoreline, and West Ham will be thankful the damage was not greater. Focus now turns to a critical Tuesday encounter at home to 17th-placed Nottingham Forest, a match vital in the fight for Premier League safety. On this evidence, West Ham have cause to be afraid.