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This latest defeat constitutes one more demoralizing episode in an torrid season for West Ham, amplifying major doubts about the prospects of head coach Nuno Espírito Santo. The London club became the initial team to lose to Wolves this term, allowing the West Midlands team to double their league points and lift their aspirations of evading the tag in the record books as the worst team in Premier League history.

Commanding First-Half Display Secures Long-Awaited Win

Fewer than the first four minutes of the match, Wolves managed to give the impression of finding some resolution. The energetic Hwang Hee-chan offered a glimpse of his revitalised abilities with a long run before laying on an assist following sharp combination play with Mateus Mané. His cut-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 early October. Energy could be felt both on the pitch and in the stands, a rarity for most of the season.

Facing a team woefully out of form and missing key player Lucas Paquetá through injury, this represented the hosts' best opportunity for a win to date. Initially confused by being ahead, Wolves opted to protect it fiercely, falling deep with eleven players behind the ball early on.

Generous Opponents Compound Their Own Miseries

West Ham were generous visitors, adding to their own demise. First, ex- Wolves captain Max Kilman failed to make a routine clearance from a cross, letting Mané to intervene, before being fouled by Soungoutou Magassa in the penalty area. The teenage player, once of Rochdale, emerged as the key figure on the field. Hwang stepped up to convert the subsequent penalty, extending the lead. Tongue-in-cheek chants of "We're going to win the league" echoed around Molineux.

Lacking confidence and inspiration, West Ham were drifting out of the contest even with dominating the ball, managing just a single attempt in the first half.

The visitors' frustrations were compounded shortly before halftime. The fearless Mané, a youth among nervous senior players, turned exquisitely, drove infield from the left flank, and unleashed a low effort into the bottom corner from 18 yards for his first senior goal. Finally, the Wolves fans were enjoying themselves.

Fruitless Second Period Response

With nothing to lose, manager Nuno introduced a two change at the interval and switched to a offensive 3-4-3 shape. However, key attacker Jarrod Bowen was quiet, and the introduction of Crysencio Summerville did not provide the necessary threat.

A lingering feeling of nervousness continued to clouded Wolves' judgment, uncertain whether to clear the ball long or build patiently. But, they need not have worried against such passive opponents. West Ham's own failings were increasingly apparent as they created very little of note in the final third.

Critical Matches Lie Ahead

Ultimately, Wolves looked like the sole side capable of adding to the tally, and West Ham will be thankful the damage was not more severe. Attention now turns to a critical Tuesday fixture at home to 17th-placed Nottingham Forest, a match essential in the fight for top-flight survival. On this showing, the Hammers should have every reason to be afraid.