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This setback represents one more humiliating episode in an troubled season for West Ham, raising major doubts about the future of head coach Nuno Espírito Santo. The Hammers became the first team to succumb to Wolves this term, allowing the Midlands team to double their league points and boost their hopes of avoiding a place in the record books as the least successful team in Premier League annals.

Dominant Opening Display Secures Long-Awaited Victory

Within four minutes of the match, Wolves managed to give the impression of discovering much-needed resolution. The energetic Hwang Hee-chan offered a glimpse of his revitalised abilities with a lengthy run before laying on an assist following sharp link-up play with Mateus Mané. The resulting cut-back found an untracked Jhon Arias, who tapped in from point-blank range to give Wolves a home lead for the first time since early October. Energy could be felt equally on the field and in the terraces, a sight for much of the season.

Facing a side terribly out of form and deprived of creative player Lucas Paquetá through injury, this represented the hosts' clearest opportunity for a victory this season. Initially unnerved by being ahead, Wolves chose to protect it doggedly, falling back with all men behind the ball early on.

Compliant Opponents Compound West Ham's Problems

West Ham proved accommodating guests, contributing to their own downfall. First, ex- Wolves captain Max Kilman failed to make a simple clearance from a cross, letting Mané to pounce, only to be brought down by Soungoutou Magassa in the penalty area. The teenage player, once of Rochdale, emerged as the most influential man on the pitch. Hwang took responsibility to score 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 away from the contest even with dominating possession, managing just a single shot in the first half.

The away side's frustrations deepened shortly before halftime. The confident Mané, a youth among trepidatious adults, spun beautifully, cut in from the left, and fired a driven effort into the bottom corner from 18 yards for his first professional goal. Finally, the Wolves supporters could enjoy themselves.

Fruitless Second Period Comeback Attempt

With little to lose, manager Nuno made a double substitution at half-time and switched to a offensive 3-4-3 shape. Yet, star forward Jarrod Bowen remained quiet, and the introduction of Crysencio Summerville did not provide the required threat.

A persistent feeling of anxiety still clouded Wolves' decision-making, unsure whether to hoof the ball to safety or play out from the back. But, they need not have worried against such meek resistance. West Ham's inherent failings were increasingly obvious as they created very little of substance in the final third.

Critical Fixtures Lie Ahead

Ultimately, Wolves were the only side likely of increasing the scoreline, and West Ham will be thankful the damage was not more severe. Focus now turns to a critical Tuesday fixture at home to relegation-threatened Nottingham Forest, a match vital in the battle for Premier League safety. Based on this showing, West Ham have cause to be very worried.