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This latest setback represents one more embarrassing chapter in a difficult season for West Ham, raising major doubts 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 Midlands side to increase their league points and lift their hopes of avoiding the tag in the history books as the worst team in Premier League annals.

Dominant First-Half Performance Seals Historic Victory

Fewer than the first four minutes of the match, Wolves managed to show signs of finding some confidence. The energetic Hwang Hee-chan offered a taste of his rejuvenated form with a long run before laying on an assist thanks to neat link-up play with Mateus Mané. The resulting pull-back found an unmarked Jhon Arias, who slid home from point-blank range to give Wolves a home lead for the first time since October. Energy was evident equally on the pitch and in the stands, a rarity for much of the term.

Facing a team terribly out of form and missing key player Lucas Paquetá through injury, this was the hosts' clearest opportunity for a win this season. At first unnerved by being ahead, Wolves opted to protect it doggedly, dropping back with eleven men behind the ball early on.

Generous Opponents Compound West Ham's Problems

West Ham were accommodating guests, contributing to their own downfall. First, former Wolves captain Max Kilman failed to execute a simple clearance from a cross, allowing Mané to pounce, before being brought down by Soungoutou Magassa in the box. The 18-year-old midfielder, once of Rochdale, was proving the most influential figure on the pitch. Hwang took responsibility to convert the resulting spot-kick, extending the advantage. Tongue-in-cheek chants of "We will win the league" rang around Molineux.

Short on belief and ideas, West Ham were drifting out of the game despite controlling possession, registering just a solitary attempt in the opening period.

The visitors' woes were compounded just prior to halftime. The confident Mané, a youngster among trepidatious adults, turned beautifully, cut in from the left, and fired a low effort into the far corner from outside the box for his first professional goal. Finally, the Wolves fans could enjoy themselves.

Fruitless Second-Half Comeback Attempt

With little to lose, manager Nuno made a double change at the interval and switched to a offensive 3-4-3 shape. Yet, star forward Jarrod Bowen was quiet, and the introduction of Crysencio Summerville did not generate the necessary threat.

A persistent sense of anxiety still clouded Wolves' judgment, unsure whether to clear the ball long or build patiently. But, they need not have worried against such meek opponents. West Ham's inherent failings were increasingly apparent as they produced very little of substance in the attacking areas.

Critical Matches Lie Ahead

Ultimately, Wolves looked like the only side capable of increasing the scoreline, and West Ham will be thankful the damage was not more severe. Focus now turns to a pivotal midweek fixture at home to 17th-placed Nottingham Forest, a match essential in the battle for top-flight survival. Based on this evidence, West Ham should have every reason to be afraid.