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This latest setback marks a further humiliating chapter in a torrid season for West Ham, increasing serious questions about the future of head coach Nuno Espírito Santo. The London club became the first team to lose to Wolves this term, allowing the Midlands team to double their points tally and boost their hopes of evading the tag in the record books as the worst team in Premier League history.

Dominant Opening Performance Secures Historic Victory

Within four minutes into the match, Wolves were able to demonstrate of finding much-needed resolution. The lively Hwang Hee-chan provided a taste of his rejuvenated form with a long run before laying on an assist thanks to neat combination play with Mateus Mané. His 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 both on the field and in the terraces, a rarity for much of the season.

Facing a side terribly short on confidence and missing creative talent Lucas Paquetá due to injury, this was the hosts' clearest chance for a victory to date. At first unnerved by taking the lead, Wolves chose to defend it fiercely, falling deep with eleven men 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 was unable to execute a routine clearance from a cross, allowing Mané to intervene, before being fouled by Soungoutou Magassa inside the penalty area. The teenage player, once of Rochdale, was proving the key man on the field. Hwang stepped up to convert the subsequent spot-kick, extending the advantage. Tongue-in-cheek chants of "We're going to win the league" rang around Molineux.

Short on confidence and ideas, West Ham drifted out of the game even with dominating possession, registering just a solitary attempt in the first half.

The away side's woes were compounded shortly before halftime. The fearless Mané, a youngster among trepidatious adults, turned 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 Wolves fans were enjoying themselves.

Fruitless Second Period Comeback Attempt

With nothing to lose, coach Nuno made a two substitution at the interval and altered to a more attacking 3-4-3 formation. Yet, star forward Jarrod Bowen remained muted, and the introduction of Crysencio Summerville failed to provide the required threat.

A lingering sense of anxiety still clouded Wolves' judgment, unsure whether to clear the ball long or play out from the back. However, they need not have worried against such meek resistance. West Ham's inherent failings became increasingly apparent as they produced very little of substance in the attacking areas.

Critical Matches On the Horizon

Ultimately, Wolves looked like the sole side likely of adding to the scoreline, and West Ham will be thankful the embarrassment was not greater. Attention now shifts to a pivotal Tuesday fixture at home to relegation-threatened Nottingham Forest, a match vital in the battle for Premier League safety. Based on this showing, the Hammers should have every reason to be afraid.