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This latest loss marks one more humiliating chapter in an troubled season for West Ham, raising serious doubts about the prospects of their manager. The Hammers became the initial team to fall to Wolves this term, enabling the West Midlands side to increase their league points and boost their hopes of evading the tag in the record books as the worst team in Premier League history.

Commanding First-Half Performance Secures Historic Victory

Within four minutes of the match, Wolves were able to demonstrate of finding some resolution. The lively Hwang Hee-chan provided a taste of his revitalised form with a lengthy run before turning provider following neat link-up play with Mateus Mané. The resulting pull-back found an unmarked Jhon Arias, who tapped in from close range to give Wolves a lead at Molineux for the first time since early October. Energy was evident both on the pitch and in the stands, a rarity for much of the term.

Facing a team woefully short on confidence and deprived of key talent Lucas Paquetá due to injury, this represented the hosts' clearest opportunity for a win to date. At first unnerved by being ahead, Wolves opted to protect it fiercely, falling back with all players behind the ball early on.

Generous Guests Add to Their Own Problems

West Ham were accommodating visitors, adding to their own demise. First, ex- Wolves captain Max Kilman failed to execute a routine clearance from a cross, letting Mané to pounce, only to be brought down by Soungoutou Magassa in the penalty area. The teenage player, once of Rochdale, was proving the key man on the field. Hwang took responsibility to convert the resulting penalty, doubling the advantage. Ironic chants of "We're going to win the league" echoed around Molineux.

Short on belief and ideas, West Ham drifted out of the game despite dominating possession, registering just a solitary attempt in the first half.

The away side's frustrations were compounded shortly before halftime. The fearless Mané, a youth among nervous adults, turned exquisitely, cut in from the left flank, and fired a low shot into the far corner from 18 yards for his first professional goal. Finally, the home supporters were enjoying themselves.

Ineffective Second-Half Response

With little to lose, coach Nuno introduced a two change at half-time and switched to a offensive 3-4-3 shape. However, star attacker Jarrod Bowen was quiet, and the introduction of Crysencio Summerville did not provide the necessary threat.

A lingering sense of anxiety continued to clouded Wolves' decision-making, uncertain whether to clear the ball long or play out from the back. But, they had no need to worried against such passive opponents. West Ham's inherent failings were increasingly apparent as they produced very little of substance in the attacking areas.

Critical Fixtures Lie Ahead

Ultimately, Wolves looked like the only side likely of adding to the tally, and West Ham will be relieved the embarrassment was not more severe. Attention now shifts to a pivotal midweek encounter at home to 17th-placed Nottingham Forest, a match essential in the battle for Premier League safety. Based on this showing, the Hammers have cause to be afraid.