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This latest loss represents one more demoralizing chapter in an torrid season for West Ham, amplifying serious doubts about the future of their manager. The London club became the first team to fall to Wolves this term, enabling the Midlands outfit to increase their points tally and lift their hopes of avoiding the tag in the history books as the worst team in Premier League history.

Dominant Opening Performance Seals Historic Win

Within four minutes into the match, Wolves managed to show signs of discovering some resolve. The lively Hwang Hee-chan provided a taste of his rejuvenated abilities with a long run before turning provider following sharp combination play with Mateus Mané. The resulting cut-back found an unmarked Jhon Arias, who slid home from point-blank range to give Wolves a home lead for the first time since early October. Vibrancy was evident equally on the pitch and in the terraces, a sight 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. At first unnerved by being ahead, Wolves chose to protect it doggedly, falling back with eleven players behind the ball early on.

Generous Guests Add to West Ham's Problems

West Ham proved accommodating guests, adding to their own demise. First, former Wolves captain Max Kilman failed to make a routine clearance from a cross, allowing Mané to pounce, before being fouled by Soungoutou Magassa in the penalty area. The teenage player, formerly of Rochdale, emerged as the most influential figure on the field. Hwang took responsibility to convert the subsequent penalty, extending the advantage. Ironic chants of "We're going to win the league" rang around Molineux.

Short on belief and ideas, West Ham drifted away from the game despite controlling the ball, managing just a solitary shot in the first half.

The away side's woes were compounded shortly before halftime. The fearless Mané, a youth among nervous adults, spun exquisitely, drove infield from the left flank, and fired a driven shot into the bottom corner from 18 yards for his first senior goal. Finally, the Wolves fans could enjoy themselves.

Ineffective Second Period Comeback Attempt

With little to lose, coach Nuno introduced a two change at the interval and altered to a more attacking 3-4-3 shape. Yet, key attacker Jarrod Bowen remained quiet, and even introduction of Crysencio Summerville did not generate the necessary threat.

A persistent feeling of nervousness still affected Wolves' judgment, unsure whether to hoof the ball long or build patiently. However, they had no need to worried against such passive opponents. West Ham's own failings became increasingly obvious as they produced very little of note in the attacking areas.

Critical Matches On the Horizon

Ultimately, Wolves were the sole side capable of adding to the tally, and West Ham will be thankful the damage was not greater. Attention now turns to a pivotal Tuesday fixture at home to 17th-placed Nottingham Forest, a match vital in the battle for Premier League safety. On this evidence, the Hammers should have cause to be afraid.