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This latest setback represents one more embarrassing episode in an difficult season for West Ham, raising serious doubts about the prospects of head coach Nuno Espírito Santo. The Hammers became the first team to succumb to Wolves in this campaign, enabling the West Midlands side to double their points tally and lift their hopes of evading a place in the record books as the worst team in Premier League annals.

Commanding First-Half Display Secures Historic Victory

Fewer than four minutes of the match, Wolves managed to give the impression of finding much-needed resolve. The energetic Hwang Hee-chan provided a glimpse of his revitalised form with a long run before turning provider thanks to neat link-up play with Mateus Mané. The resulting pull-back found an unmarked Jhon Arias, who slid home from close range to give Wolves a home lead for the first time since October. Energy was evident equally on the field and in the stands, a rarity for most of the season.

Facing a side terribly out of form and missing key talent Lucas Paquetá due to injury, this represented the home side's clearest opportunity for a victory to date. At first unnerved by being ahead, Wolves opted to protect it doggedly, dropping deep with eleven players behind the ball early on.

Generous Opponents Add to West Ham's Miseries

West Ham proved generous guests, contributing to their own downfall. First, ex- Wolves captain Max Kilman was unable to make a simple clearance from a cross, letting Mané to pounce, only to be fouled by Soungoutou Magassa inside the penalty area. The teenage midfielder, once of Rochdale, emerged as the most influential figure on the field. Hwang took responsibility to convert the resulting spot-kick, doubling the lead. Ironic chants of "We're going to win the league" rang around Molineux.

Lacking belief and inspiration, West Ham were drifting out of the contest even with dominating the ball, registering just a single shot in the opening period.

The visitors' frustrations deepened shortly before halftime. The confident Mané, a youngster among trepidatious adults, turned beautifully, cut in from the left, and unleashed a low shot into the bottom corner from outside the box for his first senior goal. At last, the Wolves fans were enjoying themselves.

Fruitless Second Period Comeback Attempt

With little to lose, manager Nuno made a two substitution at the interval and altered to a offensive 3-4-3 shape. However, key attacker Jarrod Bowen was muted, and the introduction of Crysencio Summerville did not provide the necessary threat.

A persistent feeling of nervousness still clouded Wolves' judgment, unsure whether to clear the ball to safety or build patiently. However, they had no need to worried against such meek resistance. West Ham's own deficiencies became increasingly apparent as they created very little of note in the final third.

Crucial Fixtures On the Horizon

In the end, Wolves were the only side capable of adding to the tally, and West Ham will be relieved the damage was not more severe. Attention now turns to a critical Tuesday fixture at home to relegation-threatened Nottingham Forest, a match essential in the battle for top-flight safety. Based on this evidence, the Hammers should have every reason to be very worried.