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This latest defeat constitutes a further embarrassing chapter in a difficult season for West Ham, increasing major doubts about the prospects of their manager. The Hammers became the first team to fall to Wolves this term, enabling the West Midlands side to double their league points and boost their hopes of avoiding the tag in the record books as the worst team in Premier League annals.

Commanding First-Half Display Secures Long-Awaited Win

Within four minutes into the match, Wolves managed to show signs of finding some resolution. The lively Hwang Hee-chan provided a glimpse of his rejuvenated abilities with a long run before turning provider following neat combination play with Mateus Mané. His cut-back found an untracked Jhon Arias, who tapped in from point-blank range to give Wolves a lead at Molineux for the first time since early October. Vibrancy could be felt both on the pitch and in the terraces, a sight for much of the season.

Facing a side woefully short on confidence and missing key player Lucas Paquetá due to injury, this was the hosts' clearest chance for a win this season. Initially unnerved by being ahead, Wolves opted to defend it fiercely, dropping back with all men behind the ball early on.

Compliant Opponents Add to West Ham's Miseries

West Ham were generous visitors, contributing to their own downfall. First, ex- Wolves captain Max Kilman was unable to make a routine clearance from a cross, letting Mané to intervene, only to be brought down by Soungoutou Magassa in the box. The teenage midfielder, once of Rochdale, emerged as the most influential man on the pitch. Hwang stepped up to score the resulting penalty, doubling the advantage. Tongue-in-cheek chants of "We will win the league" rang around Molineux.

Lacking confidence and inspiration, West Ham were drifting away from the contest even with dominating possession, registering just a single attempt in the opening period.

The away side's frustrations were compounded just prior to halftime. The fearless Mané, a youngster among nervous senior players, turned exquisitely, drove infield from the left, and unleashed a driven effort into the bottom corner from outside the box for his first senior goal. At last, the Wolves fans were enjoying themselves.

Fruitless Second-Half Comeback Attempt

With little to lose, coach Nuno made a two change at the interval and switched to a more attacking 3-4-3 shape. Yet, star attacker Jarrod Bowen remained muted, and the introduction of Crysencio Summerville did not generate the necessary threat.

A lingering feeling of anxiety still affected Wolves' judgment, unsure whether to hoof the ball long or play out patiently. But, they had no need to worried against such passive resistance. West Ham's inherent failings became increasingly obvious as they produced nothing of note in the attacking areas.

Critical Matches Lie Ahead

In the end, Wolves looked like the only side likely of adding to the scoreline, and West Ham will be thankful the damage was not more severe. Focus now shifts to a critical midweek encounter at home to relegation-threatened Nottingham Forest, a match essential in the fight for Premier League safety. Based on this evidence, West Ham have cause to be very worried.