Sunderland’s hopes of closing in on the European places were dealt a setback as they were held to a draw by already relegated Wolves at Molineux.
The Black Cats had taken an early lead through Nordi Mukiele but were forced to play more than an hour with 10 men after Dan Ballard’s dismissal, with Santi Bueno’s second-half equaliser earning Wolves a point.
The result leaves Sunderland 12th in the table, four points off the top six after missing the chance to gain ground on their rivals.
Sunderland started strongly and went ahead in the 17th minute when Mukiele headed home.
At that stage, they looked comfortable against a struggling Wolves side.
However, the game changed just minutes later when Ballard was sent off for pulling Tolu Arokodare’s hair - an offence that has consistently resulted in red cards this season.
Reduced to 10 men, Sunderland were forced onto the back foot, allowing Wolves to grow into the game.
The hosts, who had not scored in 47 days, found their breakthrough in the second half when Santi Bueno headed in from a Hugo Bueno corner.
Wolves pushed for more, with Mateus Mane and others testing Sunderland’s defence, but were unable to find a winner.
For Sunderland, the draw will feel like a missed opportunity, with Ballard’s red card proving decisive in halting their momentum.
Wolves, meanwhile, ended their long scoring drought but failed to take full advantage of their numerical superiority, leaving questions around their form heading into the final weeks of the season.
Both sides were left with mixed feelings - Sunderland frustrated at points dropped, and Wolves still searching for consistency despite finally finding the net.
