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This latest loss marks one more humiliating chapter in a torrid season for West Ham, increasing major doubts about the future of head coach Nuno Espírito Santo. The London club had the misfortune of becoming the initial team to fall to Wolves in this campaign, allowing the West Midlands outfit to increase their league points and boost their aspirations of avoiding the tag in the record books as the worst team in Premier League history.

Commanding Opening Display Secures Historic Victory

Within four minutes of the match, Wolves were able to give the impression of discovering some confidence. The energetic Hwang Hee-chan offered a taste of his rejuvenated form with a long run before turning provider thanks to neat combination play with Mateus Mané. His cut-back found an unmarked Jhon Arias, who tapped in from point-blank range to give Wolves a home lead for the first time since October. Energy was evident both on the field and in the stands, a rarity for most of the season.

Facing a team terribly out of form and deprived of creative talent Lucas Paquetá through injury, this represented the hosts' best chance for a victory this season. Initially confused by being ahead, Wolves opted to protect it fiercely, falling back with all players behind the ball from an early stage.

Compliant Guests Add to Their Own Miseries

West Ham were generous visitors, contributing to their own downfall. First, ex- Wolves captain Max Kilman failed to execute a routine clearance from a cross, allowing Mané to intervene, before being fouled by Soungoutou Magassa inside the penalty area. The teenage player, once of Rochdale, was proving the key man on the pitch. Hwang took responsibility to score the subsequent penalty, doubling the advantage. 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 possession, registering just a single attempt in the opening period.

The visitors' frustrations deepened just prior to halftime. The fearless Mané, a youngster among trepidatious senior players, turned exquisitely, cut in from the left, and unleashed a low shot into the bottom corner from outside the box for his first professional goal. At last, the home supporters could enjoy themselves.

Ineffective Second-Half Comeback Attempt

With little to lose, coach Nuno introduced a two change at the interval and switched to a more attacking 3-4-3 shape. However, star forward Jarrod Bowen was muted, and even introduction of Crysencio Summerville did not generate the necessary spark.

A persistent feeling of anxiety still clouded Wolves' decision-making, uncertain whether to clear the ball long or build from the back. But, they need not have worried against such passive resistance. West Ham's own failings were increasingly apparent as they produced nothing of note in the final third.

Critical Matches On the Horizon

In the end, Wolves were the sole side likely of increasing the tally, and West Ham will be thankful the damage was not greater. Attention now turns to a pivotal midweek fixture at home to 17th-placed Nottingham Forest, a match vital in the fight for top-flight safety. Based on this showing, the Hammers should have cause to be very worried.