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This latest defeat marks a further embarrassing episode in a torrid season for West Ham, amplifying major questions about the future of their manager. The London club became the first team to lose to Wolves this term, enabling the West Midlands outfit to increase their league points and boost their hopes of evading the tag in the record books as the worst team in Premier League annals.

Dominant First-Half Performance Secures Long-Awaited Victory

Fewer than the first four minutes of the match, Wolves managed to show signs of discovering much-needed resolve. The energetic Hwang Hee-chan provided a taste of his revitalised abilities with a lengthy run before turning provider thanks to neat link-up play with Mateus Mané. The resulting pull-back found an unmarked Jhon Arias, who tapped in from close range to give Wolves a home lead for the first time since October. Energy could be felt equally on the pitch and in the stands, a rarity for most of the term.

Facing a side woefully out of form and missing key talent Lucas Paquetá through injury, this represented the home side's clearest opportunity for a win to date. At first confused by taking the lead, Wolves opted to protect it fiercely, falling deep with all players behind the ball early on.

Compliant Opponents Add to West Ham's Miseries

West Ham were generous visitors, adding to their own demise. First, former Wolves captain Max Kilman was unable to make a simple clearance from a cross, allowing Mané to pounce, only to be fouled by Soungoutou Magassa inside the penalty area. The teenage player, once of Rochdale, was proving the key man on the pitch. Hwang stepped up to convert the resulting penalty, extending the advantage. Tongue-in-cheek chants of "We will win the league" rang around Molineux.

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

The visitors' frustrations deepened just prior to halftime. The confident Mané, a youngster among trepidatious adults, spun exquisitely, cut in from the left flank, and unleashed a driven shot into the far corner from 18 yards for his first senior goal. At last, the home supporters could enjoy themselves.

Ineffective Second-Half Comeback Attempt

With nothing to lose, manager Nuno introduced a double change at half-time and switched to a more attacking 3-4-3 formation. However, star forward Jarrod Bowen remained quiet, and even introduction of Crysencio Summerville did not generate the required spark.

A lingering feeling of anxiety continued to affected Wolves' judgment, uncertain whether to hoof the ball long or play out patiently. But, they need not have been concerned against such passive opponents. West Ham's inherent failings became painfully obvious as they produced nothing of note in the attacking areas.

Crucial Matches Lie Ahead

Ultimately, Wolves looked like the only side capable of increasing the scoreline, and West Ham will be relieved the embarrassment was not more severe. Focus now turns to a pivotal midweek encounter at home to relegation-threatened Nottingham Forest, a match essential in the battle for top-flight survival. On this showing, West Ham should have every reason to be afraid.