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This setback constitutes another embarrassing chapter in an troubled season for West Ham, increasing major doubts about the future of head coach Nuno Espírito Santo. The London club became the first team to succumb to Wolves this term, enabling the Midlands team to double their points tally and boost their hopes of evading the tag in the record books as the worst team in Premier League history.

Commanding First-Half Display Seals Long-Awaited Win

Within the first four minutes of the match, Wolves managed to give the impression of discovering much-needed resolve. The lively Hwang Hee-chan offered a taste of his revitalised form with a long run before laying on an assist thanks to neat combination play with Mateus Mané. His 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. Vibrancy could be felt both on the field and in the terraces, a rarity for much of the term.

Facing a side terribly out of form and missing key talent Lucas Paquetá through injury, this was the hosts' best opportunity for a win this season. Initially unnerved by taking the lead, Wolves chose to protect it doggedly, falling deep with eleven players behind the ball from an early stage.

Compliant Guests Compound Their Own Problems

West Ham proved accommodating guests, contributing to their own downfall. First, ex- Wolves captain Max Kilman was unable to execute a routine clearance from a cross, allowing Mané to intervene, only to be brought down by Soungoutou Magassa in the box. The teenage midfielder, once of Rochdale, emerged as the key man on the field. Hwang took responsibility to convert the resulting spot-kick, extending the lead. Ironic chants of "We're going to win the league" rang around Molineux.

Short on confidence and ideas, West Ham were drifting away from the contest even with dominating the ball, managing just a single attempt in the opening period.

The visitors' frustrations deepened shortly before halftime. The confident Mané, a youth among nervous senior players, spun beautifully, drove infield from the left flank, and unleashed a low shot into the bottom corner from 18 yards for his first professional goal. At last, the home fans could enjoy themselves.

Fruitless Second-Half Comeback Attempt

With nothing to lose, coach Nuno made a two change at the interval and switched to a more attacking 3-4-3 formation. Yet, star forward Jarrod Bowen was quiet, and even introduction of Crysencio Summerville did not generate the necessary spark.

A persistent feeling of nervousness continued to clouded Wolves' decision-making, uncertain whether to hoof the ball long or play out patiently. But, they had no need to worried against such meek resistance. West Ham's inherent failings were increasingly obvious as they produced nothing of substance in the attacking areas.

Crucial Fixtures On the Horizon

In the end, Wolves looked like the only side capable of increasing the tally, and West Ham will be thankful the embarrassment was not more severe. Focus now shifts to a pivotal midweek fixture at home to 17th-placed Nottingham Forest, a match essential in the fight for Premier League safety. On this showing, West Ham have cause to be afraid.