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This latest loss marks one more humiliating chapter in an torrid season for West Ham, increasing major doubts about the future of head coach Nuno Espírito Santo. The Hammers had the misfortune of becoming the first team to lose to Wolves this term, allowing the West Midlands outfit to double their points tally and lift their aspirations of evading the tag in the history books as the least successful team in Premier League history.

Dominant Opening Performance Secures Long-Awaited Win

Within four minutes into the new year, Wolves were able to give the impression of finding much-needed resolution. The lively Hwang Hee-chan offered a glimpse of his revitalised form with a long run before turning provider following sharp link-up play with Mateus Mané. The resulting pull-back found an untracked Jhon Arias, who tapped in from close range to give Wolves a home lead for the first time since October. Energy could be felt equally on the field and in the terraces, a sight for most of the season.

Facing a team terribly out of form and deprived of creative player Lucas Paquetá due to injury, this represented the hosts' clearest chance for a win to date. Initially unnerved by taking the lead, Wolves chose to protect it fiercely, dropping back with eleven players behind the ball from an early stage.

Compliant Opponents Add to Their Own Miseries

West Ham proved generous visitors, adding to their own downfall. First, former Wolves captain Max Kilman failed to make a routine clearance from a cross, allowing Mané to intervene, only to be brought down by Soungoutou Magassa in the box. The 18-year-old player, formerly of Rochdale, was proving the key figure on the pitch. Hwang stepped up to convert the resulting penalty, extending the advantage. Tongue-in-cheek chants of "We're going to win the league" rang around Molineux.

Short on confidence and inspiration, West Ham drifted out of the contest despite dominating possession, managing just a solitary shot in the first half.

The away side's woes deepened shortly before halftime. The fearless Mané, a youth among trepidatious adults, turned beautifully, cut in from the left flank, and fired a driven shot into the far corner from 18 yards for his maiden senior goal. At last, the home supporters could enjoy themselves.

Fruitless Second-Half Response

With nothing to lose, coach Nuno introduced a double substitution at the interval and switched to a offensive 3-4-3 formation. Yet, star attacker Jarrod Bowen remained muted, and even introduction of Crysencio Summerville did not provide the necessary spark.

A lingering feeling of anxiety continued to clouded Wolves' decision-making, unsure whether to clear the ball to safety or play out patiently. But, they need not have been concerned against such meek opponents. West Ham's inherent failings became painfully obvious as they produced nothing of substance in the final third.

Critical Matches Lie Ahead

Ultimately, Wolves were the sole side likely of adding to the scoreline, and West Ham will be relieved the embarrassment was not more severe. Attention now shifts to a critical Tuesday fixture at home to 17th-placed Nottingham Forest, a match essential in the fight for top-flight safety. On this showing, the Hammers have every reason to be very worried.