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This setback marks another embarrassing episode in an difficult season for West Ham, raising serious questions about the future of their manager. The London club became the first team to fall to Wolves this term, allowing the Midlands outfit to double their league points and lift their aspirations of avoiding a place in the history books as the worst team in Premier League annals.

Commanding First-Half Performance Secures Long-Awaited Win

Within the first four minutes into the match, Wolves managed to show signs of finding some resolve. The energetic Hwang Hee-chan offered a glimpse of his rejuvenated form with a lengthy run before laying on an assist thanks to sharp link-up play with Mateus Mané. His cut-back found an unmarked Jhon Arias, who slid home from close range to give Wolves a lead at Molineux for the first time since October. Vibrancy was evident both on the pitch and in the terraces, a rarity for much of the term.

Facing a team terribly out of form and missing key player Lucas Paquetá through injury, this was the home side's best opportunity for a win this season. Initially unnerved by taking the lead, Wolves opted to defend it doggedly, falling back with all men behind the ball from an early stage.

Generous Opponents Compound West Ham's Miseries

West Ham proved generous guests, adding to their own demise. First, former Wolves captain Max Kilman failed to make a simple clearance from a cross, letting Mané to intervene, before being brought down by Soungoutou Magassa inside the box. The teenage midfielder, formerly of Rochdale, emerged as the most influential man on the pitch. Hwang took responsibility to convert the subsequent penalty, extending the advantage. Tongue-in-cheek chants of "We're going to win the league" echoed around Molineux.

Short on confidence and inspiration, West Ham drifted away from the game even with controlling possession, registering just a solitary attempt in the opening period.

The away side's woes were compounded just prior to halftime. The confident Mané, a youngster among trepidatious adults, spun exquisitely, drove infield from the left flank, and unleashed a driven effort into the far corner from outside the box for his first professional goal. At last, the Wolves fans were enjoying themselves.

Ineffective Second Period Comeback Attempt

With nothing to lose, manager Nuno introduced a double substitution at half-time and switched to a more attacking 3-4-3 shape. Yet, key attacker Jarrod Bowen was muted, and the introduction of Crysencio Summerville did not provide the required spark.

A lingering feeling of nervousness still clouded Wolves' decision-making, uncertain whether to clear the ball to safety or play out from the back. But, they need not have been concerned against such meek resistance. West Ham's inherent deficiencies became increasingly apparent as they produced very little of substance in the attacking areas.

Critical Fixtures Lie Ahead

In the end, Wolves were the sole side likely of adding to the tally, and West Ham will be thankful the embarrassment was not more severe. Focus now shifts to a critical midweek encounter at home to 17th-placed Nottingham Forest, a match vital in the battle for Premier League safety. Based on this evidence, the Hammers should have cause to be afraid.