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This latest setback marks one more embarrassing episode in an troubled season for West Ham, raising serious doubts about the future of their manager. The Hammers had the misfortune of becoming the initial team to lose to Wolves this term, allowing the West Midlands outfit to double their points tally and boost their aspirations of evading the tag in the record books as the least successful team in Premier League annals.

Dominant Opening Display Seals Historic Triumph

Fewer than four minutes of the match, Wolves managed to demonstrate of finding much-needed confidence. The lively Hwang Hee-chan provided a glimpse of his revitalised form with a lengthy run before turning provider following neat link-up play with Mateus Mané. His pull-back found an unmarked Jhon Arias, who tapped in from close range to give Wolves a lead at Molineux for the first time since early October. Energy was evident both on the pitch and in the terraces, a sight for much of the term.

Facing a team woefully out of form and deprived of key talent Lucas Paquetá through injury, this represented the home side's best opportunity for a win this season. Initially confused by taking the lead, Wolves opted to defend it fiercely, falling deep with eleven players behind the ball from an early stage.

Compliant Opponents Compound Their Own Problems

West Ham were accommodating visitors, adding to their own demise. First, former Wolves captain Max Kilman was unable to make a routine clearance from a cross, allowing Mané to intervene, before being brought down by Soungoutou Magassa in the penalty area. The teenage player, once of Rochdale, was proving the most influential man on the field. Hwang took responsibility to convert the subsequent penalty, doubling the lead. Tongue-in-cheek chants of "We're going to win the league" rang around Molineux.

Short on belief and ideas, West Ham drifted away from the game even with controlling possession, managing just a solitary attempt in the opening period.

The away side's woes were compounded shortly before halftime. The confident Mané, a youngster among nervous senior players, turned exquisitely, cut in from the left flank, and fired a low shot into the far corner from 18 yards for his maiden professional goal. At last, the Wolves supporters could enjoy themselves.

Fruitless Second Period Comeback Attempt

With nothing to lose, coach Nuno made a double change at half-time and altered to a offensive 3-4-3 shape. However, key attacker Jarrod Bowen remained quiet, and even introduction of Crysencio Summerville failed to generate the necessary spark.

A lingering sense of anxiety continued to clouded Wolves' judgment, unsure whether to clear the ball to safety or build from the back. However, they had no need to been concerned against such meek opponents. West Ham's own deficiencies were increasingly obvious as they created very little of note in the attacking areas.

Crucial Matches On the Horizon

Ultimately, Wolves looked like the sole side likely of adding to the tally, and West Ham will be thankful the damage was not more severe. Focus now turns to a pivotal Tuesday encounter at home to relegation-threatened Nottingham Forest, a match essential in the fight for top-flight survival. On this showing, the Hammers should have every reason to be afraid.