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This setback constitutes one more embarrassing episode in an difficult season for West Ham, amplifying serious questions about the future of their manager. The Hammers became the initial team to lose to Wolves in this campaign, enabling the Midlands outfit to double their points tally and lift their aspirations of avoiding the tag in the history books as the least successful team in Premier League history.

Dominant Opening Display Secures Long-Awaited Win

Within the first four minutes into the match, Wolves managed to show signs of finding much-needed confidence. The energetic Hwang Hee-chan offered a glimpse of his rejuvenated form with a lengthy run before turning provider following sharp link-up play with Mateus Mané. The resulting cut-back found an untracked Jhon Arias, who tapped in from point-blank range to give Wolves a home lead for the first time since early October. Energy was evident both on the pitch and in the terraces, a sight for much of the season.

Facing a side terribly out of form and deprived of creative player Lucas Paquetá due to injury, this represented the hosts' clearest opportunity for a win to date. Initially unnerved by taking the lead, Wolves chose to defend it doggedly, dropping deep with all players behind the ball early on.

Generous Guests Add to West Ham's Miseries

West Ham proved accommodating guests, adding to their own demise. First, ex- Wolves captain Max Kilman failed to execute a simple clearance from a cross, letting Mané to intervene, only to be brought down by Soungoutou Magassa in the penalty area. The teenage player, once of Rochdale, emerged as the most influential figure on the field. Hwang stepped up to convert the subsequent penalty, doubling the advantage. Tongue-in-cheek chants of "We will win the league" echoed around Molineux.

Lacking belief and ideas, West Ham drifted out of the game even with dominating the ball, registering just a solitary shot in the first half.

The visitors' woes deepened just prior to halftime. The confident Mané, a youngster among trepidatious senior players, spun beautifully, drove infield from the left, and fired a low shot into the far corner from outside the box for his first professional goal. At last, the Wolves fans could enjoy themselves.

Fruitless Second Period Response

With nothing to lose, coach Nuno introduced a double substitution at the interval and altered to a offensive 3-4-3 formation. Yet, star attacker Jarrod Bowen remained muted, and the introduction of Crysencio Summerville failed to provide the required threat.

A persistent sense of nervousness continued to clouded Wolves' decision-making, uncertain whether to clear the ball to safety or build patiently. But, they had no need to been concerned against such passive opponents. West Ham's own failings were painfully obvious as they created very little of substance in the attacking areas.

Crucial Matches Lie Ahead

In the end, Wolves were the sole side likely of adding to the tally, and West Ham will be relieved the embarrassment was not more severe. Focus now shifts to a critical Tuesday encounter at home to relegation-threatened Nottingham Forest, a match vital in the fight for Premier League survival. Based on this evidence, West Ham have every reason to be very worried.