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This setback represents one more embarrassing chapter in an troubled season for West Ham, increasing serious questions about the prospects of head coach Nuno Espírito Santo. The London club became the first team to succumb to Wolves in this campaign, allowing the West Midlands outfit to increase their points tally and boost their hopes of avoiding the tag in the record books as the worst team in Premier League annals.

Dominant First-Half Performance Seals Long-Awaited Win

Fewer than the first four minutes of the match, Wolves managed to show signs of discovering much-needed resolution. The energetic Hwang Hee-chan provided a glimpse of his revitalised form with a long run before turning provider following sharp link-up play with Mateus Mané. The resulting pull-back found an unmarked Jhon Arias, who tapped in from point-blank range to give Wolves a lead at Molineux for the first time since early October. Energy was evident both on the field and in the stands, a sight for much of the season.

Facing a side terribly out of form and deprived of creative talent Lucas Paquetá due to injury, this was the home side's best opportunity for a win to date. Initially unnerved by being ahead, Wolves opted to protect it doggedly, dropping back with eleven players behind the ball from an early stage.

Generous Guests Add to West Ham's Miseries

West Ham proved generous visitors, contributing to their own demise. First, former Wolves captain Max Kilman failed to make a simple clearance from a cross, allowing Mané to pounce, before being fouled by Soungoutou Magassa inside the box. The 18-year-old player, formerly of Rochdale, was proving the most influential man on the field. Hwang stepped up to convert the subsequent penalty, extending the advantage. 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 shot in the opening period.

The visitors' woes deepened just prior to halftime. The fearless Mané, a youngster among nervous adults, turned beautifully, cut in from the left, and unleashed a driven effort into the far corner from 18 yards for his maiden senior goal. At last, the Wolves fans could enjoy themselves.

Fruitless Second Period Response

With little to lose, coach Nuno introduced a double substitution at the interval and altered to a offensive 3-4-3 formation. Yet, star forward Jarrod Bowen remained quiet, and even introduction of Crysencio Summerville failed to provide the necessary spark.

A persistent sense of nervousness still clouded Wolves' judgment, uncertain whether to hoof the ball long or build from the back. But, they need not have been concerned against such meek opponents. West Ham's own failings were painfully obvious as they created nothing of substance in the final third.

Critical Fixtures Lie Ahead

In the end, Wolves were the only side capable of adding to the tally, and West Ham will be thankful the damage was not more severe. Attention now shifts to a critical Tuesday fixture at home to relegation-threatened Nottingham Forest, a match vital in the fight for top-flight safety. On this evidence, West Ham have every reason to be very worried.