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This latest defeat marks a further humiliating chapter in a troubled season for West Ham, amplifying serious doubts about the prospects of their manager. The London club became the initial team to succumb to Wolves this term, enabling the Midlands team to double their points tally and boost their aspirations of evading the tag in the record books as the least successful team in Premier League history.

Commanding Opening Display Secures Historic Triumph

Fewer than four minutes into the match, Wolves managed to give the impression of finding some confidence. The lively Hwang Hee-chan provided a glimpse of his revitalised abilities with a long run before turning provider thanks to sharp combination play with Mateus Mané. The resulting cut-back found an unmarked Jhon Arias, who slid home from point-blank range to give Wolves a home lead for the first time since early October. Energy could be felt both on the field and in the stands, a sight for most of the term.

Facing a side woefully short on confidence and deprived of creative player Lucas Paquetá due to injury, this was the home side's clearest chance for a win this season. At first confused by being ahead, Wolves chose to defend it fiercely, dropping deep with eleven players behind the ball early on.

Compliant Opponents Compound Their Own Miseries

West Ham proved generous visitors, contributing to their own downfall. First, former Wolves captain Max Kilman was unable to execute a simple clearance from a cross, letting Mané to intervene, only to be brought down by Soungoutou Magassa inside the box. The 18-year-old player, once of Rochdale, emerged as the key figure on the field. Hwang took responsibility to score the subsequent penalty, extending the advantage. Ironic chants of "We're going to win the league" echoed around Molineux.

Lacking confidence and inspiration, West Ham drifted out of the contest even with dominating possession, managing just a solitary shot in the opening period.

The visitors' woes were compounded just prior to halftime. The fearless Mané, a youngster among trepidatious senior players, spun exquisitely, drove infield from the left flank, and unleashed a low shot into the bottom corner from outside the box for his maiden senior goal. Finally, the home fans could enjoy themselves.

Fruitless Second-Half Response

With little to lose, coach Nuno introduced a two substitution at the interval and altered to a more attacking 3-4-3 shape. Yet, key forward Jarrod Bowen remained quiet, and even introduction of Crysencio Summerville did not provide the required spark.

A lingering sense of nervousness still affected Wolves' judgment, uncertain whether to hoof the ball to safety or play out patiently. However, they need not have worried against such passive opponents. West Ham's inherent deficiencies became painfully apparent as they created nothing of substance in the attacking areas.

Crucial Fixtures Lie Ahead

In the end, Wolves looked like the only side likely of increasing the tally, and West Ham will be thankful the embarrassment was not more severe. Focus now turns to a critical midweek encounter at home to 17th-placed Nottingham Forest, a match essential in the battle for top-flight survival. Based on this evidence, West Ham have cause to be afraid.