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This latest loss represents a further embarrassing episode in an difficult season for West Ham, amplifying major doubts about the prospects of their manager. The London club became the first team to succumb to Wolves in this campaign, enabling the Midlands outfit to double their league points and boost their hopes of avoiding a place in the record books as the worst team in Premier League annals.

Commanding First-Half Performance Seals Long-Awaited Victory

Fewer than four minutes into the match, Wolves managed to show signs of finding some confidence. The energetic Hwang Hee-chan provided a taste of his rejuvenated form with a long run before turning provider thanks to sharp link-up play with Mateus Mané. His pull-back found an unmarked Jhon Arias, who tapped in from point-blank range to give Wolves a home lead for the first time since early October. Energy could be felt equally on the field and in the stands, a rarity for much of the term.

Facing a team terribly short on confidence and missing key talent Lucas Paquetá due to injury, this represented the hosts' best chance for a win to date. Initially confused by taking the lead, Wolves opted to protect it fiercely, falling deep with eleven players behind the ball from an early stage.

Compliant Opponents Add to West Ham's Miseries

West Ham proved generous guests, contributing to their own downfall. First, former Wolves captain Max Kilman failed to execute a routine clearance from a cross, letting Mané to intervene, only to be brought down by Soungoutou Magassa in the box. The teenage player, once of Rochdale, was proving the most influential figure on the field. Hwang took responsibility to score the subsequent penalty, doubling the advantage. Tongue-in-cheek chants of "We're going to win the league" rang around Molineux.

Short on confidence and ideas, West Ham drifted away from the game even with dominating possession, registering just a solitary shot in the opening period.

The visitors' woes were compounded shortly before halftime. The confident Mané, a youth among nervous adults, spun beautifully, drove infield from the left, and unleashed a low shot into the far corner from 18 yards for his maiden professional goal. At last, the home supporters could enjoy themselves.

Fruitless Second-Half Response

With nothing to lose, coach Nuno made a double change at half-time and altered to a offensive 3-4-3 shape. However, star attacker Jarrod Bowen was quiet, and the introduction of Crysencio Summerville failed to provide the necessary threat.

A lingering feeling of nervousness continued to clouded Wolves' judgment, uncertain whether to clear the ball long or build from the back. However, they had no need to been concerned against such meek opponents. West Ham's own deficiencies became increasingly apparent as they produced very little of substance in the attacking areas.

Crucial Fixtures Lie Ahead

Ultimately, Wolves looked like the sole side likely of increasing the scoreline, and West Ham will be thankful the damage was not more severe. Focus now shifts to a critical Tuesday fixture at home to 17th-placed Nottingham Forest, a match vital in the battle for top-flight safety. Based on this showing, West Ham have cause to be afraid.