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This latest setback represents another demoralizing episode in an troubled season for West Ham, raising significant 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, allowing the West Midlands team to double their league points and lift their hopes of evading the tag in the history books as the worst team in Premier League history.

Dominant Opening Display Seals Historic Win

Fewer than four minutes into the match, Wolves managed to show signs of discovering much-needed resolve. The energetic Hwang Hee-chan offered a glimpse of his revitalised form with a lengthy run before laying on an assist following neat link-up play with Mateus Mané. The resulting pull-back found an untracked 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 equally on the pitch and in the terraces, a sight for much of the term.

Facing a side terribly out of form and deprived of creative talent Lucas Paquetá through injury, this was the hosts' best opportunity for a win to date. Initially unnerved by taking the lead, Wolves chose to protect it fiercely, dropping back with eleven players behind the ball from an early stage.

Compliant Guests Add to Their Own Problems

West Ham were generous guests, adding to their own downfall. First, ex- Wolves captain Max Kilman failed to make a simple clearance from a cross, letting Mané to intervene, before being brought down by Soungoutou Magassa in the box. The teenage midfielder, formerly of Rochdale, was proving the most influential figure on the field. Hwang stepped up to score the subsequent penalty, extending the advantage. Ironic chants of "We're going to win the league" rang around Molineux.

Short on confidence and ideas, West Ham drifted away from the game despite dominating possession, managing just a solitary attempt in the first half.

The away side's woes deepened shortly before halftime. The confident Mané, a youngster among nervous senior players, spun exquisitely, drove infield from the left flank, and unleashed a low effort into the bottom corner from outside the box for his maiden professional goal. At last, the home fans were enjoying themselves.

Ineffective Second-Half Response

With little to lose, manager Nuno made a two change at the interval and switched to a more attacking 3-4-3 shape. Yet, key forward Jarrod Bowen remained muted, and even introduction of Crysencio Summerville failed to provide the necessary threat.

A lingering sense of nervousness still clouded Wolves' judgment, uncertain whether to hoof the ball long or build patiently. However, they had no need to worried against such meek opponents. West Ham's own deficiencies became increasingly obvious as they produced very little of substance in the attacking areas.

Crucial Fixtures On the Horizon

Ultimately, Wolves were the sole side capable of adding to the tally, and West Ham will be relieved the damage was not greater. Focus now turns to a critical Tuesday encounter at home to relegation-threatened Nottingham Forest, a match essential in the battle for top-flight survival. Based on this evidence, West Ham should have cause to be very worried.