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This setback represents another embarrassing episode in a difficult season for West Ham, raising major doubts about the prospects of head coach Nuno Espírito Santo. The Hammers became the initial team to fall to Wolves this term, allowing the Midlands team to double their league points 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 Long-Awaited Victory

Within the first four minutes into the match, Wolves were able to demonstrate of finding much-needed resolve. The lively Hwang Hee-chan provided a taste of his rejuvenated form with a long run before laying on an assist following neat combination play with Mateus Mané. The resulting pull-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 both on the field and in the terraces, a rarity for most of the term.

Facing a team terribly out of form and missing creative talent Lucas Paquetá through injury, this represented the hosts' clearest chance for a win to date. At first confused by being ahead, Wolves chose to defend it doggedly, falling deep with all men behind the ball from an early stage.

Generous Guests Add to Their Own Miseries

West Ham proved generous guests, adding to their own demise. First, ex- Wolves captain Max Kilman was unable to make a routine clearance from a cross, letting Mané to intervene, before being brought down by Soungoutou Magassa inside the penalty area. The teenage midfielder, once of Rochdale, was proving the key figure on the field. Hwang took responsibility to score the resulting penalty, doubling the lead. Tongue-in-cheek chants of "We will win the league" rang around Molineux.

Lacking belief and inspiration, West Ham drifted away from the contest even with controlling the ball, managing just a single attempt in the first half.

The visitors' frustrations were compounded shortly before halftime. The confident Mané, a youth among trepidatious senior players, turned exquisitely, drove infield from the left flank, and fired a driven shot into the far corner from 18 yards for his maiden senior goal. Finally, the home fans could enjoy themselves.

Fruitless Second-Half Comeback Attempt

With little to lose, coach Nuno introduced a double change at the interval and altered to a offensive 3-4-3 shape. Yet, star forward Jarrod Bowen was quiet, and even introduction of Crysencio Summerville did not provide the required threat.

A persistent sense of nervousness continued to clouded Wolves' judgment, uncertain whether to clear the ball to safety or build patiently. However, they need not have worried against such passive resistance. West Ham's own failings were increasingly obvious as they created nothing of note in the attacking areas.

Crucial Fixtures On the Horizon

In the end, Wolves looked like the sole side capable of adding to the tally, and West Ham will be thankful the damage was not greater. Attention now turns to a pivotal midweek encounter at home to relegation-threatened Nottingham Forest, a match essential in the fight for Premier League safety. Based on this showing, West Ham have every reason to be very worried.