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This latest defeat represents one more demoralizing chapter in an torrid season for West Ham, raising serious questions about the future of head coach Nuno Espírito Santo. The Hammers became the initial team to succumb to Wolves this term, allowing the West Midlands outfit to increase their points tally and boost their hopes of evading the tag in the history books as the worst team in Premier League annals.

Commanding Opening Display Seals Historic Triumph

Within four minutes into the new year, Wolves were able to show signs of discovering much-needed resolution. The lively Hwang Hee-chan offered a taste of his revitalised form with a lengthy run before turning provider thanks to sharp combination play with Mateus Mané. The resulting cut-back found an unmarked Jhon Arias, who slid home from point-blank 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 rarity for most of the season.

Facing a side woefully out of form and deprived of key talent Lucas Paquetá through injury, this represented the hosts' clearest chance for a win to date. At first unnerved by being ahead, Wolves chose to defend it fiercely, dropping deep with all players behind the ball from an early stage.

Compliant Guests Add to Their Own Miseries

West Ham proved accommodating guests, adding to their own demise. First, former Wolves captain Max Kilman failed to make a routine clearance from a cross, letting Mané to pounce, only to be brought down by Soungoutou Magassa inside the penalty area. The 18-year-old player, once of Rochdale, was proving the key figure on the field. Hwang took responsibility to score the resulting spot-kick, doubling the advantage. Ironic chants of "We're going to win the league" rang around Molineux.

Lacking belief and inspiration, West Ham were drifting away from the contest despite controlling possession, managing just a single attempt in the opening period.

The visitors' woes were compounded shortly before halftime. The fearless Mané, a youngster among nervous adults, spun beautifully, drove infield from the left, and unleashed a driven shot into the far corner from outside the box for his maiden professional goal. At last, the home supporters could enjoy themselves.

Fruitless Second Period Response

With little to lose, manager Nuno made a two change at half-time and altered to a more attacking 3-4-3 shape. However, star attacker Jarrod Bowen was muted, and the introduction of Crysencio Summerville failed to generate the necessary spark.

A persistent feeling of anxiety still clouded Wolves' judgment, unsure whether to hoof the ball to safety or play out from the back. However, they need not have worried against such passive resistance. West Ham's inherent failings were painfully obvious as they produced very little of note in the final third.

Crucial Fixtures Lie Ahead

Ultimately, Wolves were the only side capable of increasing the scoreline, and West Ham will be thankful the damage was not greater. Focus now turns to a critical midweek encounter at home to 17th-placed Nottingham Forest, a match essential in the fight for top-flight safety. Based on this showing, the Hammers have every reason to be very worried.