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This latest defeat represents one more embarrassing episode in a torrid season for West Ham, raising major doubts about the prospects of head coach Nuno Espírito Santo. The London club had the misfortune of becoming the initial team to lose to Wolves this term, allowing the West Midlands team to double their points tally and lift their hopes of avoiding the tag in the history books as the worst team in Premier League history.

Dominant Opening Performance Seals Historic Triumph

Fewer than the first four minutes of the match, Wolves were able to give the impression of discovering some resolve. The lively Hwang Hee-chan provided a taste of his rejuvenated form with a lengthy run before laying on an assist thanks to neat combination play with Mateus Mané. His pull-back found an unmarked Jhon Arias, who slid home from close range to give Wolves a lead at Molineux for the first time since October. Vibrancy could be felt both on the pitch and in the terraces, a sight for much of the season.

Facing a team woefully short on confidence and missing creative player Lucas Paquetá due to injury, this represented the hosts' clearest chance for a victory to date. At first unnerved by taking the lead, Wolves opted to defend it doggedly, dropping back with all players behind the ball from an early stage.

Generous Opponents Add to West Ham's Problems

West Ham proved accommodating guests, adding to their own downfall. First, former Wolves captain Max Kilman was unable to execute a simple clearance from a cross, allowing Mané to pounce, only to be brought down by Soungoutou Magassa in the box. The teenage midfielder, once of Rochdale, was proving the key man on the pitch. Hwang took responsibility to convert the resulting penalty, doubling the advantage. Tongue-in-cheek chants of "We're going to win the league" rang around Molineux.

Short on belief and inspiration, West Ham were drifting away from the game despite dominating possession, registering just a solitary shot in the opening period.

The visitors' woes deepened just prior to halftime. The fearless Mané, a youngster among trepidatious senior players, spun exquisitely, drove infield from the left, and unleashed a low shot into the far corner from outside the box for his maiden professional goal. Finally, the Wolves fans were enjoying themselves.

Fruitless Second-Half Comeback Attempt

With little to lose, manager Nuno made a two change at half-time and switched to a more attacking 3-4-3 formation. However, star forward Jarrod Bowen remained quiet, and even introduction of Crysencio Summerville failed to generate the required spark.

A lingering feeling of nervousness still clouded Wolves' decision-making, unsure whether to clear the ball long or build patiently. However, they need not have been concerned against such passive resistance. West Ham's own failings were painfully apparent as they created nothing of note in the attacking areas.

Crucial Fixtures On the Horizon

Ultimately, Wolves were the sole side capable of increasing the scoreline, and West Ham will be relieved the damage was not more severe. Attention now turns to a pivotal Tuesday fixture at home to 17th-placed Nottingham Forest, a match vital in the battle for top-flight safety. Based on this evidence, West Ham have every reason to be very worried.