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This latest setback represents another embarrassing chapter in an troubled season for West Ham, raising major doubts about the prospects of head coach Nuno Espírito Santo. The London club became the first team to fall to Wolves this term, enabling the West Midlands side to double their league points and boost their aspirations of avoiding a place in the history books as the worst team in Premier League annals.

Commanding First-Half Display Seals Historic Victory

Within the first four minutes into the new year, Wolves were able to show signs of finding much-needed resolve. The lively Hwang Hee-chan provided a taste of his revitalised form with a long run before laying on an assist following neat combination play with Mateus Mané. His cut-back found an untracked Jhon Arias, who slid home from point-blank range to give Wolves a lead at Molineux for the first time since early October. Energy could be felt both on the pitch and in the terraces, a sight for much of the term.

Facing a team woefully short on confidence and missing creative player Lucas Paquetá due to injury, this represented the home side's best chance for a victory to date. At first confused by taking the lead, Wolves chose to protect it fiercely, falling deep with eleven players behind the ball from an early stage.

Generous Opponents Add to West Ham's Problems

West Ham were accommodating guests, adding to their own demise. First, ex- Wolves captain Max Kilman was unable to make a routine clearance from a cross, letting Mané to intervene, only to be brought down by Soungoutou Magassa in the box. The 18-year-old player, formerly of Rochdale, emerged as the key figure on the field. Hwang took responsibility to convert the subsequent penalty, extending the advantage. Tongue-in-cheek chants of "We're going to win the league" rang around Molineux.

Lacking belief and inspiration, West Ham were drifting out of the contest despite controlling possession, registering just a solitary attempt in the opening period.

The visitors' frustrations were compounded shortly before halftime. The confident Mané, a youngster among nervous adults, turned exquisitely, cut in from the left flank, and fired a driven effort into the far corner from outside the box for his first senior goal. Finally, the Wolves fans could enjoy themselves.

Fruitless Second-Half Response

With nothing to lose, manager Nuno made a two change at the interval and switched to a offensive 3-4-3 formation. Yet, star attacker Jarrod Bowen was muted, and the introduction of Crysencio Summerville failed to provide the necessary spark.

A lingering sense of anxiety still affected Wolves' judgment, uncertain whether to hoof the ball to safety or play out patiently. However, they need not have worried against such meek resistance. West Ham's own failings became increasingly apparent as they created nothing of substance in the final third.

Critical Fixtures Lie Ahead

In the end, Wolves looked like the sole side likely of increasing the tally, and West Ham will be relieved the embarrassment was not more severe. Attention now turns to a pivotal Tuesday fixture at home to 17th-placed Nottingham Forest, a match essential in the fight for top-flight survival. On this evidence, West Ham have cause to be afraid.