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This setback represents one more embarrassing chapter in a torrid 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 initial team to succumb to Wolves in this campaign, allowing the West Midlands side to double 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 Display Seals Long-Awaited Win

Within the first four minutes into the match, Wolves managed to show signs of discovering some resolution. 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 cut-back found an unmarked Jhon Arias, who slid home from point-blank range to give Wolves a lead at Molineux for the first time since October. Energy was evident equally on the pitch and in the stands, a sight for much of the term.

Facing a side woefully short on confidence and missing creative talent Lucas Paquetá due to injury, this represented the home side's clearest chance for a victory to date. Initially confused by being ahead, Wolves opted to protect it fiercely, falling back with all players behind the ball early on.

Generous Opponents Add to Their Own Miseries

West Ham were generous visitors, contributing to their own demise. First, former Wolves captain Max Kilman was unable to make a routine clearance from a cross, letting Mané to pounce, only to be brought down by Soungoutou Magassa in the penalty area. The teenage player, formerly of Rochdale, was proving the most influential figure on the field. Hwang took responsibility to score the subsequent penalty, doubling the advantage. Ironic chants of "We're going to win the league" echoed around Molineux.

Lacking confidence and inspiration, West Ham were drifting away from the contest despite controlling the ball, managing just a solitary shot in the first half.

The visitors' woes deepened shortly before halftime. The confident Mané, a youngster among nervous senior players, spun exquisitely, cut in from the left, and unleashed a low shot into the bottom corner from 18 yards for his first senior goal. At last, the Wolves fans were enjoying themselves.

Ineffective Second-Half Response

With little to lose, coach Nuno made a double substitution at half-time and altered to a more attacking 3-4-3 shape. Yet, star forward Jarrod Bowen remained quiet, and even introduction of Crysencio Summerville did not provide the necessary threat.

A persistent feeling of anxiety continued to clouded Wolves' decision-making, uncertain whether to clear the ball to safety or play out from the back. But, they need not have been concerned against such meek opponents. West Ham's inherent deficiencies became increasingly obvious as they created very little of substance in the final third.

Critical Fixtures Lie Ahead

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