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This setback constitutes another embarrassing chapter in an troubled season for West Ham, amplifying major doubts 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 team to double their league points and boost their hopes of avoiding the tag in the history books as the least successful team in Premier League annals.

Commanding Opening Display Secures Long-Awaited Win

Within four minutes of the match, Wolves managed to show signs of discovering much-needed resolve. The lively Hwang Hee-chan provided a taste of his revitalised form with a long run before turning provider thanks to neat combination play with Mateus Mané. The resulting pull-back found an unmarked Jhon Arias, who slid home from close range to give Wolves a home lead for the first time since early October. Energy was evident equally on the field and in the stands, a sight for much of the season.

Facing a side woefully short on confidence and deprived of creative talent Lucas Paquetá due to injury, this represented the hosts' clearest chance for a victory this season. At first confused by taking the lead, Wolves chose to protect it doggedly, dropping deep with eleven players behind the ball from an early stage.

Generous Guests Add to Their Own Miseries

West Ham were generous guests, contributing to their own demise. First, ex- Wolves captain Max Kilman failed to make a routine clearance from a cross, allowing Mané to pounce, before being brought down by Soungoutou Magassa in the penalty area. The teenage player, formerly of Rochdale, emerged as the most influential man on the pitch. Hwang stepped up to score the subsequent spot-kick, extending the advantage. Ironic chants of "We will win the league" echoed around Molineux.

Short on belief and inspiration, West Ham were drifting out of the contest despite dominating possession, registering just a solitary attempt in the opening period.

The visitors' woes were compounded just prior to halftime. The fearless Mané, a youth among trepidatious adults, turned beautifully, cut in from the left, and unleashed a driven effort into the far corner from 18 yards for his first senior goal. At last, the Wolves fans could enjoy themselves.

Ineffective Second-Half Response

With little to lose, coach Nuno introduced a double substitution at the interval and altered to a more attacking 3-4-3 shape. However, key attacker Jarrod Bowen remained quiet, and the introduction of Crysencio Summerville failed to provide the required threat.

A persistent sense of anxiety still clouded Wolves' judgment, uncertain whether to clear the ball to safety or build from the back. However, they had no need to worried against such passive opponents. West Ham's own deficiencies were increasingly obvious as they created very little of substance in the attacking areas.

Crucial Matches On the Horizon

In the end, Wolves looked like the sole side capable of increasing the tally, and West Ham will be thankful the embarrassment was not greater. Attention now shifts to a pivotal Tuesday fixture at home to 17th-placed Nottingham Forest, a match vital in the fight for Premier League survival. On this showing, West Ham have cause to be afraid.