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This latest setback constitutes one more humiliating chapter in an troubled season for West Ham, raising major doubts about the future of their manager. The Hammers had the misfortune of becoming the initial team to succumb to Wolves this term, enabling the West Midlands outfit to increase their league points and boost their aspirations of avoiding a place in the record books as the worst team in Premier League history.

Dominant Opening Performance Secures Historic Triumph

Within four minutes into the match, Wolves managed to show signs of finding much-needed resolution. The lively Hwang Hee-chan offered a taste of his revitalised abilities with a lengthy run before laying on an assist following neat combination play with Mateus Mané. His pull-back found an untracked Jhon Arias, who tapped in from close range to give Wolves a lead at Molineux for the first time since early October. Energy could be felt equally on the pitch and in the terraces, a sight for most of the season.

Facing a side terribly out of form and deprived of key player Lucas Paquetá due to injury, this was the hosts' best opportunity for a win this season. At first confused by being ahead, Wolves opted to defend it fiercely, dropping deep with eleven men behind the ball from an early stage.

Compliant Guests Compound West Ham's Miseries

West Ham were accommodating guests, adding to their own demise. First, former Wolves captain Max Kilman failed to execute a simple clearance from a cross, allowing Mané to intervene, only to be fouled by Soungoutou Magassa in the penalty area. The 18-year-old player, once of Rochdale, was proving the key figure on the pitch. Hwang took responsibility to convert the subsequent penalty, doubling the advantage. Ironic chants of "We're going to win the league" echoed around Molineux.

Short on confidence and inspiration, West Ham were drifting away from the contest even with controlling the ball, managing just a single shot in the opening period.

The visitors' woes deepened just prior to halftime. The confident Mané, a youngster among trepidatious senior players, spun beautifully, cut in from the left flank, and unleashed a low shot into the far corner from outside the box for his maiden senior goal. Finally, the home supporters were enjoying themselves.

Fruitless Second Period Response

With little to lose, manager Nuno made a two substitution at the interval and switched to a offensive 3-4-3 formation. Yet, star forward Jarrod Bowen remained quiet, and the introduction of Crysencio Summerville failed to generate the required spark.

A lingering sense of anxiety continued to affected Wolves' decision-making, unsure whether to hoof the ball to safety or play out from the back. However, they had no need to been concerned against such passive resistance. West Ham's own deficiencies were increasingly apparent as they created nothing of note in the final third.

Crucial Fixtures Lie Ahead

Ultimately, Wolves were the sole side capable of increasing the tally, and West Ham will be thankful the damage was not greater. Attention now turns to a critical midweek fixture at home to 17th-placed Nottingham Forest, a match essential in the fight for Premier League survival. Based on this evidence, West Ham have every reason to be afraid.