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This latest loss marks a further humiliating 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 initial team to succumb to Wolves this term, allowing the West Midlands side to increase their league points and lift their aspirations of evading the tag in the history books as the worst team in Premier League history.

Commanding Opening Display Secures Historic Win

Fewer than four minutes into the match, Wolves were able to give the impression of finding some resolve. The lively Hwang Hee-chan provided a glimpse of his revitalised abilities with a long run before laying on an assist thanks to sharp link-up play with Mateus Mané. His cut-back found an untracked Jhon Arias, who tapped in from point-blank range to give Wolves a home lead for the first time since October. Vibrancy was evident both on the field and in the terraces, a rarity for most of the season.

Facing a team woefully out of form and deprived of key talent Lucas Paquetá due to injury, this represented the home side's best chance for a victory to date. Initially unnerved by taking the lead, Wolves opted to protect it fiercely, falling deep with all players behind the ball early on.

Compliant Guests Compound West Ham's Miseries

West Ham were generous guests, contributing to their own demise. First, ex- Wolves captain Max Kilman was unable to make a simple clearance from a cross, letting Mané to pounce, only to be fouled by Soungoutou Magassa inside the penalty area. The 18-year-old midfielder, once of Rochdale, emerged as the most influential man on the field. Hwang stepped up to convert the resulting penalty, doubling the advantage. Ironic chants of "We will win the league" rang around Molineux.

Short on confidence and ideas, West Ham were drifting out of the game even with dominating possession, registering just a single shot in the opening period.

The away side's woes deepened shortly before halftime. The confident Mané, a youngster among trepidatious senior players, spun exquisitely, drove infield from the left, and unleashed a low shot into the far corner from outside the box for his maiden professional goal. Finally, the home supporters could enjoy themselves.

Fruitless Second Period Response

With nothing to lose, coach Nuno introduced a double change at half-time and altered to a offensive 3-4-3 formation. Yet, key attacker Jarrod Bowen remained muted, and even introduction of Crysencio Summerville did not generate the required spark.

A lingering sense of nervousness still affected Wolves' decision-making, unsure whether to clear the ball long or build patiently. But, they had no need to worried against such passive resistance. West Ham's own deficiencies were painfully obvious as they created very little of substance in the final third.

Critical Fixtures Lie Ahead

Ultimately, Wolves looked like the sole side likely of adding to the scoreline, and West Ham will be relieved the damage was not more severe. Attention now turns to a critical midweek encounter at home to 17th-placed Nottingham Forest, a match essential in the fight for top-flight survival. Based on this evidence, West Ham have cause to be afraid.