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This latest setback represents one more humiliating episode in a difficult season for West Ham, amplifying major questions about the future of head coach Nuno Espírito Santo. The Hammers had the misfortune of becoming the initial team to fall to Wolves in this campaign, allowing the West Midlands team to double their league points and lift their aspirations of avoiding the tag in the record books as the worst team in Premier League annals.

Commanding Opening Display Seals Long-Awaited Win

Within four minutes into the match, Wolves managed to give the impression of discovering much-needed confidence. The lively Hwang Hee-chan offered a glimpse of his revitalised form with a long run before laying on an assist thanks to neat link-up play with Mateus Mané. His cut-back found an unmarked 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 equally on the pitch and in the stands, a rarity for much of the term.

Facing a side terribly out of form and missing key talent Lucas Paquetá due to injury, this was the home side's clearest chance for a victory this season. Initially unnerved by taking the lead, Wolves chose to protect it fiercely, falling back with eleven men behind the ball early on.

Compliant Guests Compound West Ham's Problems

West Ham proved generous visitors, adding to their own demise. First, former Wolves captain Max Kilman failed to execute a simple clearance from a cross, allowing Mané to intervene, before being brought down by Soungoutou Magassa inside the penalty area. The teenage player, formerly of Rochdale, was proving the most influential man on the pitch. Hwang took responsibility to score the resulting penalty, doubling the lead. Ironic chants of "We're going to win the league" rang around Molineux.

Lacking belief and inspiration, West Ham were drifting away from the game even with controlling the ball, managing just a solitary attempt in the first half.

The visitors' woes deepened shortly before halftime. The fearless Mané, a youngster among trepidatious adults, turned exquisitely, drove infield from the left, and fired a driven shot into the bottom corner from 18 yards for his maiden senior goal. At last, the home supporters were enjoying themselves.

Fruitless Second-Half Response

With little to lose, manager Nuno made a double substitution at half-time and altered to a more attacking 3-4-3 shape. However, star attacker Jarrod Bowen was muted, and even introduction of Crysencio Summerville failed to generate the necessary spark.

A persistent sense of nervousness continued to clouded Wolves' decision-making, unsure whether to clear the ball to safety or build patiently. However, they need not have been concerned against such meek opponents. West Ham's inherent failings were increasingly apparent as they created nothing of substance in the attacking areas.

Crucial Matches On the Horizon

In the end, Wolves looked like the sole side likely of adding to the tally, and West Ham will be thankful the damage was not greater. Attention now turns to a critical Tuesday encounter at home to relegation-threatened Nottingham Forest, a match vital in the fight for Premier League safety. On this evidence, West Ham have every reason to be very worried.