Pablo Sarabia’s header in the first half secured a hard-fought Premier League victory for Wolves against bottom-placed Sheffield United at Molineux.

The Spanish winger found himself unmarked as he netted his third goal of the season for Wolves, redirecting Rayan Ait-Nouri’s delivery from the left wing into the top right corner of the net.

The win propels Gary O’Neil’s team to eighth place in the table, enhancing their aspirations of qualifying for European competition next season.

Despite the victory, Wolves struggled to produce their best performance, with Sarabia’s header representing their only shot on target until a stoppage-time attempt from Joao Gomes. Sheffield United displayed resilience by sitting deep and aiming to counterattack with speed throughout the match.

Manager Chris Wilder will likely find encouragement in his team’s performance, as they created several promising opportunities. James McAtee, on loan from Manchester City, had two notable chances, but his first-half effort was comfortably saved by Wolves goalkeeper Jose Sa, and his second-half shot narrowly missed the target.

McAtee also provided a cross from the left wing that gave Rhian Brewster a chance to equalize, but the forward failed to convert the opportunity.

However, Wilder would have been dismayed by an altercation between two of his players, Vinicius Souza and Jack Robinson, during the first half, which marred Sheffield United’s performance.

The defeat leaves Sheffield United eight points adrift of safety, dimming their hopes of avoiding relegation with each loss.