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This latest setback marks one more embarrassing episode in an troubled season for West Ham, increasing serious questions about the prospects of their manager. The Hammers became the first team to fall to Wolves this term, enabling the West Midlands outfit to double their points tally 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 Victory

Fewer than four minutes of the match, Wolves were able to show signs of finding much-needed resolution. The energetic Hwang Hee-chan provided a glimpse of his rejuvenated form with a lengthy run before turning provider following neat link-up play with Mateus Mané. The resulting pull-back found an untracked Jhon Arias, who tapped in from close range to give Wolves a home lead for the first time since early October. Vibrancy was evident equally on the field and in the stands, a sight for much of the term.

Facing a side woefully short on confidence and deprived of key talent Lucas Paquetá through injury, this was the home side's best chance for a win to date. Initially unnerved by taking the lead, Wolves chose to defend it doggedly, falling back with eleven players behind the ball from an early stage.

Generous Guests Compound Their Own Miseries

West Ham proved accommodating visitors, adding to their own downfall. First, ex- Wolves captain Max Kilman failed to make a simple clearance from a cross, allowing Mané to intervene, only to be fouled by Soungoutou Magassa inside the penalty area. The 18-year-old midfielder, formerly of Rochdale, was proving the most influential man on the field. Hwang stepped up to score the resulting penalty, doubling the lead. Ironic chants of "We're going to win the league" rang around Molineux.

Short on confidence and inspiration, West Ham drifted out of the game despite dominating the ball, registering just a solitary attempt in the opening period.

The away side's woes deepened shortly before halftime. The fearless Mané, a youth among nervous adults, turned beautifully, drove infield from the left, and unleashed a driven shot into the far corner from 18 yards for his first senior goal. Finally, the home supporters could enjoy themselves.

Ineffective Second Period Response

With little to lose, manager Nuno made a double change at half-time and altered to a offensive 3-4-3 formation. However, star forward Jarrod Bowen was quiet, and the introduction of Crysencio Summerville did not generate the necessary spark.

A lingering sense of anxiety continued to affected Wolves' decision-making, uncertain whether to hoof the ball to safety or play out patiently. But, they need not have worried against such passive resistance. West Ham's inherent failings were painfully apparent as they created very little of note in the attacking areas.

Critical Matches Lie Ahead

Ultimately, Wolves were the only side capable of adding to the scoreline, and West Ham will be thankful the embarrassment was not greater. Focus now shifts to a critical midweek fixture at home to 17th-placed Nottingham Forest, a match vital in the fight for top-flight survival. Based on this showing, the Hammers have every reason to be afraid.