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This latest setback marks a further humiliating episode in a torrid season for West Ham, increasing major questions about the prospects of their manager. The London club had the misfortune of becoming the initial team to succumb to Wolves in this campaign, allowing the Midlands outfit to double their league points and boost their hopes of avoiding the tag in the record books as the least successful team in Premier League annals.

Dominant First-Half Performance Secures Long-Awaited Win

Within four minutes of the match, Wolves were able to demonstrate of finding much-needed confidence. The energetic Hwang Hee-chan offered a glimpse of his revitalised abilities with a long run before laying on an assist following neat link-up play with Mateus Mané. His pull-back found an unmarked Jhon Arias, who tapped in from point-blank range to give Wolves a lead at Molineux for the first time since early October. Vibrancy was evident equally on the pitch and in the terraces, a rarity for most of the term.

Facing a team terribly out of form and deprived of key player Lucas Paquetá through injury, this represented the hosts' clearest opportunity for a victory to date. Initially unnerved by being ahead, Wolves chose to protect it doggedly, falling back with all players behind the ball early on.

Generous Opponents Add to West Ham's Problems

West Ham proved accommodating visitors, contributing to their own demise. First, ex- Wolves captain Max Kilman failed to make a routine clearance from a cross, allowing Mané to intervene, before being brought down by Soungoutou Magassa in the box. The 18-year-old player, formerly of Rochdale, emerged as the most influential figure on the field. Hwang stepped up to convert the subsequent penalty, doubling the lead. Tongue-in-cheek chants of "We're going to win the league" rang around Molineux.

Short on confidence and ideas, West Ham were drifting out of the game despite dominating the ball, managing just a single shot in the first half.

The visitors' frustrations were compounded just prior to halftime. The fearless Mané, a youth among nervous adults, spun beautifully, drove infield from the left, and fired a driven shot into the far corner from 18 yards for his maiden professional goal. Finally, the Wolves supporters were enjoying themselves.

Fruitless Second Period Comeback Attempt

With little to lose, manager Nuno made a two substitution at the interval and altered to a more attacking 3-4-3 shape. However, star attacker Jarrod Bowen remained muted, and the introduction of Crysencio Summerville did not generate the required spark.

A persistent feeling of anxiety still clouded Wolves' decision-making, uncertain whether to hoof the ball to safety or play out patiently. But, they had no need to worried against such meek resistance. West Ham's inherent deficiencies were painfully obvious as they created very little of substance in the attacking areas.

Critical Matches Lie Ahead

Ultimately, Wolves looked like the sole side capable of increasing the scoreline, and West Ham will be relieved the embarrassment was not greater. Attention now shifts to a critical Tuesday fixture at home to relegation-threatened Nottingham Forest, a match vital in the fight for Premier League safety. Based on this evidence, the Hammers have every reason to be afraid.