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This latest loss constitutes another embarrassing chapter in a difficult season for West Ham, raising major doubts about the prospects of head coach Nuno Espírito Santo. The London club had the misfortune of becoming the first team to fall to Wolves this term, enabling the West Midlands team to increase their league points and boost their aspirations of avoiding the tag in the record books as the worst team in Premier League history.

Commanding First-Half Performance Secures Long-Awaited Victory

Within the first four minutes of the match, Wolves were able to show signs of discovering some resolve. The energetic Hwang Hee-chan provided a taste of his rejuvenated abilities with a lengthy run before turning provider following neat combination play with Mateus Mané. The resulting pull-back found an untracked Jhon Arias, who tapped in from point-blank range to give Wolves a lead at Molineux for the first time since October. Energy could be felt equally on the field and in the stands, a rarity for most of the term.

Facing a side woefully out of form and deprived of creative talent Lucas Paquetá through injury, this was the home side's best chance for a victory this season. At first confused by being ahead, Wolves chose to defend it fiercely, falling deep with all players behind the ball from an early stage.

Compliant Opponents Add to Their Own Miseries

West Ham proved accommodating guests, contributing to their own demise. First, ex- Wolves captain Max Kilman was unable to execute a simple clearance from a cross, allowing Mané to pounce, only to be fouled by Soungoutou Magassa in the box. The 18-year-old midfielder, once of Rochdale, emerged as the most influential man on the pitch. Hwang took responsibility to score the resulting penalty, doubling the advantage. Ironic chants of "We will win the league" echoed around Molineux.

Short on belief and ideas, West Ham drifted away from the game despite controlling the ball, registering just a single attempt in the first half.

The away side's frustrations deepened just prior to halftime. The confident Mané, a youngster among trepidatious senior players, turned beautifully, cut in from the left flank, and unleashed a driven effort into the bottom corner from outside the box for his maiden professional goal. At last, the Wolves supporters were enjoying themselves.

Ineffective Second-Half Comeback Attempt

With little to lose, manager Nuno made a double change at half-time and switched to a offensive 3-4-3 formation. However, star attacker Jarrod Bowen remained muted, and even introduction of Crysencio Summerville did not generate the necessary spark.

A persistent sense of nervousness continued to clouded Wolves' judgment, unsure whether to clear the ball long or build patiently. However, they need not have worried against such meek opponents. West Ham's own deficiencies were increasingly obvious as they produced nothing of note in the attacking areas.

Critical Fixtures On the Horizon

In the end, Wolves were the sole side likely of adding to the tally, and West Ham will be relieved the embarrassment was not greater. Attention now turns to a pivotal midweek encounter at home to 17th-placed Nottingham Forest, a match essential in the fight for top-flight survival. On this evidence, the Hammers should have every reason to be afraid.