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This setback marks one more demoralizing episode in an torrid season for West Ham, increasing major doubts about the future of head coach Nuno Espírito Santo. The London club became the initial team to fall to Wolves this term, enabling the Midlands side to increase their league points and boost their aspirations of avoiding the tag in the history books as the worst team in Premier League history.

Commanding Opening Performance Secures Long-Awaited Victory

Within the first four minutes into the match, Wolves managed to give the impression of discovering some confidence. The energetic Hwang Hee-chan offered a glimpse of his revitalised form with a long run before turning provider following neat link-up play with Mateus Mané. His cut-back found an unmarked Jhon Arias, who slid home from close range to give Wolves a lead at Molineux for the first time since October. Energy could be felt equally on the pitch and in the stands, a rarity for most of the term.

Facing a side terribly short on confidence and deprived of creative player Lucas Paquetá due to injury, this was the home side's best opportunity for a victory to date. Initially confused by taking the lead, Wolves opted to defend it fiercely, falling deep with all men behind the ball early on.

Generous Guests Add to West Ham's Problems

West Ham proved accommodating guests, contributing to their own demise. First, former Wolves captain Max Kilman was unable to make a routine clearance from a cross, allowing Mané to intervene, before being fouled by Soungoutou Magassa inside the penalty area. The teenage midfielder, formerly of Rochdale, emerged as the key figure on the pitch. Hwang stepped up to score the subsequent penalty, doubling the advantage. Tongue-in-cheek chants of "We're going to win the league" echoed around Molineux.

Short on confidence and ideas, West Ham were drifting away from the contest despite controlling possession, registering just a solitary attempt in the first half.

The visitors' woes deepened shortly before halftime. The confident Mané, a youngster among nervous senior players, turned beautifully, drove infield from the left flank, and unleashed a driven shot into the bottom corner from 18 yards for his first professional goal. At last, the Wolves fans were enjoying themselves.

Ineffective Second-Half Response

With nothing to lose, manager Nuno made a double substitution at the interval and switched to a more attacking 3-4-3 formation. However, key forward Jarrod Bowen remained muted, and even introduction of Crysencio Summerville did not generate the necessary threat.

A persistent sense of nervousness still affected Wolves' decision-making, unsure whether to hoof the ball long or build from the back. However, they need not have been concerned against such meek opponents. West Ham's own failings became increasingly obvious as they created nothing of note in the attacking areas.

Critical Matches On the Horizon

In the end, Wolves looked like the only side capable of increasing the scoreline, and West Ham will be relieved the embarrassment was not more severe. Focus now shifts to a critical Tuesday fixture at home to relegation-threatened Nottingham Forest, a match vital in the fight for Premier League survival. On this showing, West Ham have every reason to be very worried.