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This setback marks one more embarrassing episode in a torrid season for West Ham, amplifying serious doubts about the prospects of head coach Nuno Espírito Santo. The London club had the misfortune of becoming the first team to lose to Wolves in this campaign, allowing the Midlands team to double their points tally and boost their aspirations of avoiding the tag in the record books as the least successful team in Premier League annals.

Dominant Opening Performance Secures Long-Awaited Victory

Fewer than four minutes into the match, Wolves managed to demonstrate of discovering some resolution. The energetic Hwang Hee-chan offered a taste of his rejuvenated form with a long run before turning provider thanks to sharp combination play with Mateus Mané. His 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. Energy could be felt equally on the pitch and in the stands, a rarity for much of the term.

Facing a side woefully short on confidence and deprived of creative player Lucas Paquetá due to injury, this was the home side's clearest opportunity for a victory to date. Initially confused by taking the lead, Wolves opted to protect it doggedly, dropping back with all players behind the ball early on.

Generous Opponents Compound Their Own Miseries

West Ham were generous visitors, adding to their own downfall. First, ex- Wolves captain Max Kilman failed to make a simple clearance from a cross, allowing Mané to intervene, before being fouled by Soungoutou Magassa inside the box. The 18-year-old player, formerly of Rochdale, was proving the most influential figure on the pitch. Hwang took responsibility to score the subsequent spot-kick, extending the advantage. Tongue-in-cheek chants of "We're going to win the league" echoed around Molineux.

Lacking confidence and ideas, West Ham drifted away from the game even with dominating possession, managing just a single attempt in the opening period.

The visitors' woes deepened just prior to halftime. The confident Mané, a youngster among nervous senior players, turned beautifully, drove infield from the left flank, and unleashed a low shot into the far corner from outside the box for his maiden senior goal. Finally, the Wolves supporters were enjoying themselves.

Fruitless Second-Half Response

With nothing to lose, coach Nuno introduced a two substitution at half-time and altered to a more attacking 3-4-3 shape. However, key attacker Jarrod Bowen was quiet, and the introduction of Crysencio Summerville did not provide the required spark.

A persistent feeling of nervousness still affected Wolves' decision-making, unsure whether to clear the ball to safety or build patiently. But, they need not have worried against such meek opponents. West Ham's inherent deficiencies became painfully apparent as they created nothing of substance in the final third.

Crucial Matches On the Horizon

In the end, Wolves looked like the only side capable of increasing the tally, and West Ham will be relieved the embarrassment was not greater. Focus now shifts to a critical Tuesday encounter at home to 17th-placed Nottingham Forest, a match vital in the battle for top-flight safety. On this showing, West Ham have every reason to be very worried.