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This latest loss marks a further embarrassing chapter in an difficult season for West Ham, raising major questions about the prospects of their manager. The London club became the initial team to succumb to Wolves in this campaign, enabling the Midlands side to increase their league points and lift their aspirations of avoiding a place in the history books as the least successful team in Premier League annals.

Dominant Opening Performance Secures Historic Triumph

Fewer than the first four minutes of the match, Wolves managed to show signs of discovering much-needed resolution. The lively Hwang Hee-chan provided a glimpse of his revitalised abilities with a long run before turning provider following sharp link-up play with Mateus Mané. His pull-back found an unmarked Jhon Arias, who slid home from point-blank range to give Wolves a home lead for the first time since October. Energy could be felt equally on the field and in the stands, a rarity for most of the season.

Facing a team woefully short on confidence and missing key player Lucas Paquetá through injury, this was the hosts' best chance for a win this season. At first unnerved by being ahead, Wolves chose to protect it doggedly, dropping deep with all men behind the ball from an early stage.

Compliant Guests Compound West Ham's Miseries

West Ham were generous visitors, adding to their own downfall. First, ex- Wolves captain Max Kilman failed to execute a routine clearance from a cross, letting Mané to intervene, only to be fouled by Soungoutou Magassa inside the box. The 18-year-old player, formerly of Rochdale, emerged as the key figure on the pitch. Hwang stepped up to convert the subsequent spot-kick, doubling the lead. Ironic chants of "We will win the league" echoed around Molineux.

Short on confidence and ideas, West Ham were drifting out of the contest even with dominating possession, registering just a solitary shot in the opening period.

The away side's frustrations deepened just prior to halftime. The confident Mané, a youth among nervous adults, turned beautifully, drove infield from the left, and unleashed a low shot into the bottom corner from outside the box for his maiden senior goal. At last, the Wolves fans were enjoying themselves.

Ineffective Second-Half Response

With little to lose, manager Nuno introduced a double change at the interval and switched to a offensive 3-4-3 formation. Yet, star forward Jarrod Bowen remained muted, and even introduction of Crysencio Summerville did not generate the required spark.

A lingering feeling of anxiety still affected Wolves' judgment, unsure whether to hoof the ball to safety or build from the back. However, they need not have been concerned against such passive opponents. West Ham's own deficiencies became painfully apparent as they created nothing of note in the final third.

Critical Fixtures Lie Ahead

In the end, Wolves were the sole side capable of increasing the scoreline, and West Ham will be relieved the embarrassment was not more severe. Attention now shifts to a pivotal Tuesday encounter at home to 17th-placed Nottingham Forest, a match vital in the battle for top-flight safety. On this evidence, the Hammers have cause to be afraid.