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This latest setback constitutes another embarrassing episode in a difficult season for West Ham, amplifying major questions about the future of their manager. The London club became the first team to fall to Wolves in this campaign, enabling the Midlands team to increase their league points and lift their aspirations of evading the tag in the history books as the worst team in Premier League history.

Dominant First-Half Performance Secures Historic Triumph

Fewer than four minutes into the match, Wolves managed to demonstrate of discovering some confidence. The lively Hwang Hee-chan offered a taste of his revitalised abilities with a lengthy run before turning provider thanks to sharp link-up play with Mateus Mané. The resulting cut-back found an unmarked Jhon Arias, who tapped in from close range to give Wolves a home lead for the first time since early October. Energy could be felt both on the field and in the terraces, a rarity for most of the term.

Facing a team terribly short on confidence and missing key player Lucas Paquetá due to injury, this was the home side's clearest opportunity for a victory this season. Initially unnerved by being ahead, Wolves opted to protect it fiercely, falling back with all men behind the ball early on.

Compliant Guests Compound Their Own Miseries

West Ham were accommodating guests, contributing to their own downfall. First, ex- Wolves captain Max Kilman failed to make a routine clearance from a cross, allowing Mané to intervene, before being brought down by Soungoutou Magassa inside the penalty area. The teenage midfielder, formerly of Rochdale, was proving the key man on the pitch. Hwang took responsibility to score the subsequent spot-kick, doubling the advantage. Tongue-in-cheek chants of "We're going to win the league" echoed around Molineux.

Short on confidence and ideas, West Ham drifted out of the contest even with controlling the ball, registering just a single shot in the opening period.

The away side's woes deepened shortly before halftime. The confident Mané, a youngster among trepidatious adults, spun beautifully, cut in from the left flank, and fired a driven shot into the far corner from 18 yards for his first professional goal. Finally, the home fans were enjoying themselves.

Fruitless Second Period Comeback Attempt

With little to lose, manager Nuno introduced a double change at half-time and switched to a offensive 3-4-3 formation. Yet, star attacker Jarrod Bowen was quiet, and the introduction of Crysencio Summerville failed to generate the necessary threat.

A lingering sense of anxiety still affected Wolves' judgment, uncertain whether to clear the ball long or play out patiently. But, they need not have been concerned against such meek resistance. West Ham's own failings were increasingly apparent as they created very little of substance in the attacking areas.

Critical Fixtures On the Horizon

Ultimately, Wolves looked like the sole side capable of increasing the tally, and West Ham will be thankful the damage was not greater. Attention now shifts to a pivotal Tuesday fixture at home to relegation-threatened Nottingham Forest, a match essential in the battle for Premier League safety. Based on this evidence, the Hammers have cause to be very worried.