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This loss marks another embarrassing chapter in a difficult 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 this term, enabling the Midlands side to double their league points and lift their hopes of avoiding a place in the history books as the least successful team in Premier League annals.

Dominant Opening Performance Seals Historic Win

Fewer than four minutes into the match, Wolves were able to show signs of finding much-needed resolve. The lively Hwang Hee-chan provided a glimpse of his rejuvenated abilities with a long run before turning provider following neat link-up play with Mateus Mané. The resulting cut-back found an untracked Jhon Arias, who slid home 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 terraces, a rarity for most of the term.

Facing a team woefully short on confidence and missing key talent Lucas Paquetá due to injury, this represented the home side's best chance for a victory to date. Initially confused by being ahead, Wolves opted to defend it doggedly, falling deep with all men behind the ball early on.

Generous Opponents Compound West Ham's Problems

West Ham were accommodating visitors, contributing to their own downfall. First, ex- Wolves captain Max Kilman failed to make a simple clearance from a cross, letting Mané to pounce, only to be brought down by Soungoutou Magassa in the box. The teenage player, formerly of Rochdale, was proving the key figure on the field. Hwang took responsibility to score the resulting spot-kick, doubling the advantage. Tongue-in-cheek chants of "We will win the league" rang around Molineux.

Short on belief and inspiration, West Ham drifted out of the game even with controlling possession, managing just a solitary shot in the first half.

The visitors' frustrations deepened shortly before halftime. The confident Mané, a youth among nervous adults, spun beautifully, cut in from the left flank, and fired a driven effort into the far corner from outside the box for his maiden professional goal. At last, the home fans could enjoy themselves.

Fruitless Second-Half Comeback Attempt

With little to lose, manager Nuno introduced a two substitution at half-time and switched to a offensive 3-4-3 formation. However, key attacker Jarrod Bowen was muted, and even introduction of Crysencio Summerville did not provide the required spark.

A persistent sense of anxiety still affected Wolves' decision-making, uncertain whether to hoof the ball long or build from the back. But, they need not have been concerned against such meek opponents. West Ham's own deficiencies became painfully obvious as they created very little of note in the attacking areas.

Crucial Fixtures On the Horizon

In the end, Wolves looked like the sole side likely of adding to the scoreline, and West Ham will be thankful the embarrassment was not more severe. Focus now shifts to a pivotal midweek encounter at home to 17th-placed Nottingham Forest, a match vital in the fight for top-flight safety. Based on this evidence, West Ham should have every reason to be afraid.