Ten-man Sunderland saw their push for European qualification suffer another setback as they were held to a 1-1 draw by already-relegated Wolverhampton Wanderers in their Premier League clash at Molineux. The result also extended Wolves’ unbeaten home run in this fixture to eight consecutive matches.

After conceding nine goals across back-to-back defeats, Sunderland responded positively with an early breakthrough to restore some confidence.

Wolves’ defensive organisation from set pieces once again let them down, as Nordi Mukiele rose unmarked at the back post to convert Granit Xhaka’s inswinging corner.

However, Sunderland’s advantage was short-lived, as frustration soon followed when Dan Ballard was sent off in the 24th minute. After a VAR review at the pitch-side monitor, referee Paul Tierney dismissed the defender for pulling the hair of forward Tolu Arokodare—his first red card since being sent off for Blackpool in October 2020.

The depleted visitors managed to reach half-time unscathed, but they were unable to prevent Wolves from drawing level within 10 minutes of the restart, with a near-identical move to Sunderland’s opening goal.

Hugo Bueno delivered a deep corner that was met by Santiago Bueno, who rose highest to steer a downward header into the far corner for his third Premier League goal of the season.

Despite being reduced to 10 men, Sunderland continued to show intent going forward, knowing a point would do little to strengthen their European ambitions.

Granit Xhaka came close to turning the game in Wolves’ favour, firing a long-range effort just wide of Dan Bentley’s left-hand post in one of the final meaningful moments of the match.

In the end, Regis Le Bris’s side had to settle for a draw that leaves them 12th in the table, three points behind the top seven with just three matches remaining.

For Wolves, the result ended a run of three straight defeats, although a late save from Robin Roefs to deny Adam Armstrong a powerful header ensured they remain without a win since early March.