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This latest defeat represents another embarrassing episode in a difficult season for West Ham, amplifying serious questions about the future of head coach Nuno Espírito Santo. The London club became the first team to succumb to Wolves in this campaign, enabling the Midlands outfit to double their points tally and lift their hopes of avoiding the tag in the record books as the least successful team in Premier League history.

Dominant First-Half Display Secures Long-Awaited Triumph

Within the first four minutes into the match, Wolves managed to demonstrate of finding some resolution. The lively Hwang Hee-chan offered a glimpse of his rejuvenated form with a lengthy run before laying on an assist thanks to sharp link-up play with Mateus Mané. His pull-back found an unmarked Jhon Arias, who slid home from point-blank range to give Wolves a lead at Molineux for the first time since October. Vibrancy could be felt equally on the pitch and in the terraces, a sight for most of the term.

Facing a team woefully out of form and deprived of key talent Lucas Paquetá due to injury, this was the hosts' best chance for a win to date. At first unnerved by taking the lead, Wolves opted to defend it doggedly, falling back with all players behind the ball early on.

Generous Guests Add to West Ham's Miseries

West Ham were accommodating guests, adding to their own downfall. First, former Wolves captain Max Kilman failed to make a routine clearance from a cross, letting Mané to intervene, before being fouled by Soungoutou Magassa inside the penalty area. The teenage player, once of Rochdale, emerged as the key man on the field. Hwang stepped up to convert the resulting penalty, doubling the advantage. Tongue-in-cheek chants of "We will win the league" echoed around Molineux.

Lacking confidence and inspiration, West Ham were drifting out of the game despite dominating possession, managing just a single shot in the opening period.

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

Ineffective Second Period Comeback Attempt

With nothing to lose, manager Nuno introduced a double substitution at the interval and switched to a more attacking 3-4-3 shape. Yet, star attacker Jarrod Bowen remained quiet, and even introduction of Crysencio Summerville failed to provide the required threat.

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

Crucial Fixtures Lie Ahead

Ultimately, Wolves were the only side likely of adding to the tally, and West Ham will be thankful the damage was not greater. Focus now turns to a critical Tuesday encounter at home to 17th-placed Nottingham Forest, a match vital in the fight for top-flight safety. On this evidence, the Hammers should have every reason to be very worried.