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This setback represents another embarrassing episode in a torrid season for West Ham, amplifying major doubts about the future of their manager. The Hammers had the misfortune of becoming the first team to lose to Wolves this term, enabling the West Midlands side to increase their league points and lift their hopes of evading the tag in the history books as the worst team in Premier League history.

Dominant Opening Performance Seals Historic Triumph

Fewer than four minutes of the match, Wolves were able to give the impression of discovering some resolution. The energetic Hwang Hee-chan offered a glimpse of his revitalised form with a long run before turning provider thanks to 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 both on the field and in the stands, a rarity for most of the season.

Facing a side terribly out of form and deprived of key player Lucas Paquetá due to injury, this represented the hosts' clearest chance for a win this season. At first confused by taking the lead, Wolves opted to protect it fiercely, falling deep with eleven players behind the ball from an early stage.

Generous Guests Add to West Ham's Miseries

West Ham proved generous visitors, contributing to their own downfall. First, former Wolves captain Max Kilman failed to execute a routine clearance from a cross, letting Mané to pounce, before being fouled by Soungoutou Magassa inside the penalty area. The teenage midfielder, formerly of Rochdale, emerged as the key man on the field. Hwang stepped up to convert the resulting spot-kick, doubling the advantage. Tongue-in-cheek chants of "We're going to win the league" echoed around Molineux.

Short on belief and ideas, West Ham were drifting away from the game even with controlling possession, registering just a solitary shot in the opening period.

The away side's frustrations were compounded shortly before halftime. The confident Mané, a youth among nervous senior players, spun beautifully, cut in from the left flank, and unleashed a driven effort into the far corner from 18 yards for his first professional goal. Finally, the home fans could enjoy themselves.

Ineffective Second Period Comeback Attempt

With nothing to lose, manager Nuno introduced a double change at the interval and altered to a more attacking 3-4-3 shape. Yet, star attacker Jarrod Bowen remained quiet, and the introduction of Crysencio Summerville failed to generate the necessary threat.

A lingering sense of nervousness still clouded Wolves' judgment, unsure whether to hoof the ball to safety or build patiently. However, they had no need to worried against such meek opponents. West Ham's own failings were painfully apparent as they produced very little of substance in the final third.

Crucial Matches On the Horizon

In the end, Wolves looked like the only side likely of increasing the tally, and West Ham will be thankful the embarrassment was not greater. Focus now turns to a critical Tuesday encounter at home to relegation-threatened Nottingham Forest, a match essential in the fight for top-flight safety. On this evidence, West Ham should have cause to be afraid.