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This latest defeat marks a further humiliating chapter in a troubled season for West Ham, amplifying serious questions about the future of head coach Nuno Espírito Santo. The Hammers became the first team to succumb to Wolves in this campaign, allowing the Midlands outfit to double their league points and lift their hopes of avoiding the tag in the record books as the worst team in Premier League history.

Dominant Opening Performance Secures Historic Victory

Fewer than the first four minutes of the match, Wolves managed to show signs of finding some resolve. The lively Hwang Hee-chan provided a taste of his revitalised abilities with a lengthy run before turning provider following neat 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 October. Energy could be felt equally on the pitch and in the terraces, a sight for much of the term.

Facing a side terribly short on confidence and deprived of key talent Lucas Paquetá through injury, this represented the hosts' clearest opportunity for a victory this season. At first confused by being ahead, Wolves chose to protect it fiercely, dropping back with all players behind the ball from an early stage.

Generous Opponents Add to Their Own Miseries

West Ham were accommodating guests, adding to their own demise. First, former Wolves captain Max Kilman failed to make a routine clearance from a cross, allowing Mané to intervene, before being fouled by Soungoutou Magassa inside the box. The teenage player, formerly of Rochdale, was proving the key figure on the field. Hwang stepped up to convert the resulting penalty, doubling the lead. Ironic chants of "We're going to win the league" rang around Molineux.

Short on confidence and ideas, West Ham drifted out of the contest even with controlling possession, managing just a solitary shot in the first half.

The away side's woes were compounded just prior to halftime. The confident Mané, a youth among trepidatious senior players, turned beautifully, drove infield from the left flank, and unleashed a driven shot into the bottom corner from outside the box for his maiden professional goal. Finally, the home supporters were enjoying themselves.

Fruitless Second Period Response

With little to lose, coach Nuno introduced a two change at the interval and altered to a offensive 3-4-3 formation. However, key attacker Jarrod Bowen was quiet, and even introduction of Crysencio Summerville failed to provide the required threat.

A persistent sense of anxiety continued to affected Wolves' judgment, uncertain whether to clear the ball long or play out patiently. But, they had no need to been concerned against such passive opponents. West Ham's own failings were increasingly obvious as they created very little of substance in the attacking areas.

Crucial Fixtures On the Horizon

In the end, Wolves were the sole side capable of increasing the tally, and West Ham will be relieved the embarrassment was not more severe. Attention now turns to a pivotal midweek fixture at home to relegation-threatened Nottingham Forest, a match vital in the fight for top-flight survival. Based on this evidence, West Ham have cause to be very worried.