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This defeat represents one more humiliating chapter in an torrid season for West Ham, increasing serious doubts about the future of head coach Nuno Espírito Santo. The Hammers had the misfortune of becoming the first team to succumb to Wolves in this campaign, enabling the Midlands team to double their points tally and boost their hopes of evading a place in the record books as the least successful team in Premier League history.

Dominant Opening Display Seals Historic Triumph

Within four minutes of the match, Wolves were able to give the impression of finding some confidence. The lively Hwang Hee-chan offered a glimpse of his revitalised form with a lengthy run before laying on an assist thanks to neat link-up play with Mateus Mané. The resulting cut-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 was evident equally on the field and in the stands, a sight for most 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 clearest chance for a victory this season. At first unnerved by being ahead, Wolves chose to defend it doggedly, dropping deep with eleven men behind the ball from an early stage.

Generous Opponents Add to Their Own Miseries

West Ham proved generous guests, contributing to their own demise. First, ex- Wolves captain Max Kilman failed to execute a simple clearance from a cross, letting Mané to pounce, before being fouled by Soungoutou Magassa inside the box. The 18-year-old player, once of Rochdale, was proving the key man on the pitch. Hwang stepped up to convert the subsequent spot-kick, extending the advantage. Tongue-in-cheek chants of "We will win the league" echoed around Molineux.

Lacking confidence and ideas, West Ham drifted away from the contest even with dominating the ball, managing just a solitary shot in the first half.

The visitors' frustrations were compounded shortly before halftime. The confident Mané, a youngster among trepidatious adults, spun beautifully, cut in from the left, and unleashed a driven shot into the far corner from 18 yards for his first professional goal. Finally, the home supporters could enjoy themselves.

Ineffective Second-Half Comeback Attempt

With nothing to lose, coach Nuno made a two change at the interval and altered to a more attacking 3-4-3 shape. However, star attacker Jarrod Bowen remained quiet, and the introduction of Crysencio Summerville did not provide the required threat.

A persistent sense of anxiety still clouded Wolves' judgment, unsure whether to clear the ball long or play out from the back. But, they need not have been concerned against such meek opponents. West Ham's inherent failings were painfully obvious as they created very little of substance in the attacking areas.

Critical Fixtures Lie Ahead

In the end, Wolves were the sole side likely of increasing the scoreline, and West Ham will be relieved the damage was not more severe. Attention now turns to a pivotal midweek fixture at home to 17th-placed Nottingham Forest, a match vital in the battle for Premier League safety. On this showing, West Ham have cause to be afraid.