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This latest defeat represents another embarrassing episode in a torrid season for West Ham, raising significant questions about the prospects of their manager. The Hammers became the initial team to succumb to Wolves this term, allowing the Midlands team to increase their points tally and boost their aspirations of evading the tag in the history books as the worst team in Premier League history.

Dominant First-Half Performance Secures Historic Triumph

Within the first four minutes into the match, Wolves managed to give the impression of discovering much-needed resolve. The energetic Hwang Hee-chan provided a taste of his rejuvenated form with a lengthy run before laying on an assist thanks to neat link-up play with Mateus Mané. The resulting pull-back found an untracked Jhon Arias, who slid home from point-blank range to give Wolves a lead at Molineux for the first time since October. Energy could be felt equally on the pitch and in the terraces, a sight for most of the term.

Facing a side terribly out of form and deprived of creative player Lucas Paquetá due to injury, this was the hosts' clearest chance for a win this season. Initially confused by taking the lead, Wolves opted to protect it doggedly, falling back with all men behind the ball from an early stage.

Compliant Opponents Add to Their Own Problems

West Ham proved generous visitors, contributing to their own demise. First, former Wolves captain Max Kilman was unable to make a simple clearance from a cross, allowing Mané to intervene, only to be brought down by Soungoutou Magassa inside the box. The 18-year-old player, once of Rochdale, was proving the key man on the pitch. Hwang stepped up to score the resulting spot-kick, doubling the lead. Ironic chants of "We're going to win the league" rang around Molineux.

Short on confidence and ideas, West Ham were drifting out of the game even with controlling the ball, managing just a solitary attempt in the opening period.

The away side's woes were compounded shortly before halftime. The fearless Mané, a youth among nervous adults, turned beautifully, drove infield from the left flank, and fired a driven effort into the far corner from outside the box for his first senior goal. Finally, the Wolves supporters could enjoy themselves.

Fruitless Second-Half Comeback Attempt

With nothing to lose, coach Nuno introduced a two substitution at half-time and altered to a more attacking 3-4-3 formation. Yet, star forward Jarrod Bowen was muted, and the introduction of Crysencio Summerville failed to provide the required threat.

A persistent feeling of anxiety still clouded Wolves' judgment, uncertain whether to clear the ball to safety or play out from the back. However, they had no need to been concerned against such meek opponents. West Ham's inherent deficiencies became increasingly apparent as they produced very little of substance in the final third.

Crucial Matches On the Horizon

In the end, Wolves were the sole side capable of adding to the scoreline, and West Ham will be thankful the embarrassment was not greater. Attention now turns to a pivotal midweek fixture at home to relegation-threatened Nottingham Forest, a match vital in the fight for Premier League safety. On this evidence, the Hammers have cause to be afraid.