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This setback represents another humiliating episode in an torrid season for West Ham, raising serious questions about the prospects of their manager. The Hammers became the initial team to fall to Wolves this term, allowing the West Midlands team to increase their points tally and boost their aspirations of avoiding a place in the record books as the least successful team in Premier League history.

Dominant First-Half Performance Seals Long-Awaited Victory

Fewer than the first four minutes of the match, Wolves were able to give the impression of finding much-needed resolution. The energetic Hwang Hee-chan offered a glimpse of his revitalised form with a lengthy run before laying on an assist thanks to sharp link-up play with Mateus Mané. His pull-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 pitch and in the terraces, a sight for most of the season.

Facing a side terribly short on confidence and deprived of key player Lucas Paquetá through injury, this was the home side's clearest chance for a win this season. At first unnerved by being ahead, Wolves chose to defend it fiercely, dropping deep with eleven men behind the ball early on.

Generous Opponents Add to Their Own Problems

West Ham proved generous visitors, adding to their own downfall. 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 in the box. The teenage midfielder, once of Rochdale, emerged as the most influential figure on the field. Hwang stepped up to convert the resulting penalty, doubling the lead. Ironic chants of "We're going to win the league" echoed around Molineux.

Lacking confidence and ideas, West Ham were drifting out of the contest even with dominating possession, registering just a solitary attempt in the first half.

The visitors' woes deepened shortly before halftime. The fearless Mané, a youngster among nervous senior players, spun beautifully, cut in from the left flank, and unleashed a low shot into the far corner from 18 yards for his first senior goal. At last, the home supporters could enjoy themselves.

Fruitless Second Period Comeback Attempt

With nothing to lose, coach Nuno introduced a double change at the interval and altered to a more attacking 3-4-3 shape. However, star forward Jarrod Bowen was quiet, and even introduction of Crysencio Summerville did not generate the required threat.

A lingering feeling of anxiety continued to clouded Wolves' decision-making, uncertain whether to clear the ball long or play out patiently. However, they had no need to been concerned against such meek opponents. West Ham's inherent deficiencies became painfully obvious as they created nothing of substance in the attacking areas.

Crucial Fixtures Lie Ahead

In the end, Wolves were the sole side capable of increasing the scoreline, and West Ham will be relieved the damage was not greater. Focus now shifts to a critical midweek fixture at home to 17th-placed Nottingham Forest, a match vital in the fight for Premier League survival. On this evidence, West Ham have every reason to be afraid.