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This setback represents another embarrassing episode in an troubled season for West Ham, increasing serious doubts about the future of head coach Nuno Espírito Santo. The London club became the first team to succumb to Wolves in this campaign, enabling the West Midlands outfit to double their points tally and lift their aspirations of avoiding the tag in the record books as the worst team in Premier League history.

Commanding First-Half Performance Seals Long-Awaited Victory

Fewer than four minutes of the match, Wolves were able to demonstrate of finding much-needed resolve. The energetic Hwang Hee-chan offered a taste of his revitalised form with a lengthy run before laying on an assist thanks to neat combination play with Mateus Mané. The resulting cut-back found an untracked Jhon Arias, who slid home from close range to give Wolves a home lead for the first time since October. Energy could be felt equally on the pitch and in the terraces, a rarity for most of the season.

Facing a side woefully short on confidence and deprived of key player Lucas Paquetá through injury, this represented the hosts' clearest opportunity for a victory this season. At first unnerved by being ahead, Wolves chose to protect it doggedly, falling deep with eleven players behind the ball early on.

Compliant Guests Compound Their Own Problems

West Ham proved accommodating visitors, contributing to their own downfall. First, ex- Wolves captain Max Kilman was unable to make a simple clearance from a cross, letting Mané to intervene, only to be fouled by Soungoutou Magassa inside the box. The teenage midfielder, formerly of Rochdale, emerged as the most influential man on the field. Hwang took responsibility to convert the resulting spot-kick, extending the advantage. 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 dominating the ball, managing just a single attempt in the opening period.

The away side's woes were compounded just prior to halftime. The fearless Mané, a youth among nervous adults, spun 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 fans were enjoying themselves.

Fruitless Second Period Comeback Attempt

With nothing to lose, coach Nuno made a double substitution at the interval and altered to a offensive 3-4-3 shape. However, star attacker Jarrod Bowen remained muted, and even introduction of Crysencio Summerville failed to provide the required spark.

A persistent sense of nervousness continued to affected Wolves' judgment, uncertain whether to hoof the ball to safety or play out from the back. But, they need not have worried against such passive opponents. West Ham's own deficiencies were increasingly obvious as they produced nothing of substance in the final third.

Crucial Fixtures Lie Ahead

Ultimately, Wolves looked like the sole side capable of adding to the tally, and West Ham will be relieved the embarrassment was not more severe. Focus now turns to a pivotal 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 should have cause to be very worried.