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This latest defeat represents one more humiliating chapter in a torrid season for West Ham, amplifying significant questions about the future of head coach Nuno Espírito Santo. The Hammers became the first team to succumb to Wolves in this campaign, enabling the Midlands team to double their points tally and boost their hopes of avoiding the tag in the history books as the worst team in Premier League annals.

Dominant First-Half Display Seals Long-Awaited Win

Within the first four minutes into the match, Wolves managed to show signs of finding much-needed resolve. The energetic Hwang Hee-chan offered a glimpse of his revitalised abilities with a long run before laying on an assist thanks to 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 lead at Molineux for the first time since early October. Vibrancy could be felt both on the pitch and in the terraces, a rarity for much of the season.

Facing a team terribly out of form and deprived of key player Lucas Paquetá due to injury, this was the hosts' best opportunity for a victory to date. At first unnerved by taking the lead, Wolves chose to protect it doggedly, falling deep with all players behind the ball from an early stage.

Generous Guests Add to West Ham's Miseries

West Ham were generous visitors, contributing to their own downfall. First, ex- Wolves captain Max Kilman was unable to make a simple clearance from a cross, allowing Mané to intervene, before being fouled by Soungoutou Magassa in the penalty area. The teenage midfielder, once of Rochdale, emerged as the most influential man on the pitch. Hwang stepped up to score the resulting penalty, doubling the lead. Tongue-in-cheek chants of "We will win the league" echoed around Molineux.

Lacking belief and inspiration, West Ham drifted out of the game despite controlling the ball, managing just a solitary shot in the opening period.

The visitors' frustrations deepened just prior to halftime. The fearless Mané, a youngster among trepidatious adults, spun beautifully, drove infield from the left, and unleashed a low shot into the far corner from 18 yards for his maiden senior goal. Finally, the Wolves fans could enjoy themselves.

Ineffective Second Period Comeback Attempt

With nothing to lose, coach Nuno made a two change at the interval and switched to a more attacking 3-4-3 shape. However, star forward Jarrod Bowen remained quiet, and even introduction of Crysencio Summerville did not generate the required threat.

A lingering feeling of anxiety still clouded Wolves' decision-making, unsure whether to hoof the ball long or build patiently. However, they had no need to worried against such passive resistance. West Ham's inherent deficiencies became painfully apparent as they created nothing of note in the attacking areas.

Crucial Matches On the Horizon

Ultimately, Wolves looked like the sole side likely of increasing the tally, and West Ham will be thankful the embarrassment was not greater. Attention now turns to a pivotal Tuesday fixture at home to 17th-placed Nottingham Forest, a match vital in the battle for top-flight safety. On this evidence, the Hammers should have every reason to be afraid.