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This latest setback represents another embarrassing episode in an troubled season for West Ham, raising serious questions about the future of head coach Nuno Espírito Santo. The London club had the misfortune of becoming the first team to succumb to Wolves this term, enabling the Midlands side to increase their league points and boost their aspirations of avoiding the tag in the history books as the worst team in Premier League history.

Dominant First-Half Display Secures Long-Awaited Triumph

Fewer than the first four minutes of the match, Wolves managed to give the impression of finding some resolve. The lively Hwang Hee-chan offered a taste of his revitalised form with a long 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 home lead for the first time since early October. Energy could be felt both on the field and in the terraces, a sight for most of the term.

Facing a team terribly out of form and missing key player Lucas Paquetá through injury, this was the home side's clearest chance for a win to date. Initially unnerved by taking the lead, Wolves chose to defend it doggedly, falling deep with all men behind the ball from an early stage.

Compliant Guests Compound Their Own Miseries

West Ham were accommodating guests, contributing to their own demise. First, former Wolves captain Max Kilman failed to make a routine clearance from a cross, allowing Mané to intervene, before being fouled by Soungoutou Magassa in the penalty area. The teenage player, formerly of Rochdale, emerged as the key man on the field. Hwang stepped up to convert the subsequent spot-kick, doubling the advantage. Ironic chants of "We're going to win the league" rang around Molineux.

Lacking confidence and ideas, West Ham drifted out of the contest even with controlling possession, managing just a solitary shot in the opening period.

The visitors' woes deepened shortly before halftime. The confident Mané, a youngster among nervous adults, turned beautifully, drove infield from the left, and fired a driven shot into the bottom corner from outside the box for his first professional goal. Finally, the home fans could enjoy themselves.

Ineffective Second Period Comeback Attempt

With little to lose, coach Nuno introduced a two substitution at the interval and switched to a more attacking 3-4-3 formation. Yet, key attacker Jarrod Bowen was quiet, and even introduction of Crysencio Summerville failed to provide the necessary spark.

A lingering sense of nervousness still clouded Wolves' decision-making, uncertain whether to clear the ball to safety or build patiently. But, they need not have worried against such passive opponents. West Ham's own deficiencies became increasingly apparent as they created very little of note in the attacking areas.

Critical Matches On the Horizon

In the end, Wolves looked like the sole side capable of adding to the scoreline, and West Ham will be thankful the damage was not more severe. Attention now turns to a pivotal midweek fixture at home to relegation-threatened Nottingham Forest, a match vital in the battle for Premier League safety. On this evidence, the Hammers have cause to be very worried.