Wolves player ratings vs Sheffield United: One scores 5/10 as two get 8s and several 7s

Wolverhampton Wanderers edged past Sheffield United on Sunday afternoon, winning 1-0 to soar up to eighth in the Premier League standings. Pablo Sarabia's first-half header was enough to earn another vital victory, moving the Old Gold to within just one point of seventh-placed Brighton & Hove Albion.

Wolves had more of the ball in the opening 25 minutes or so but it was the Blades creating the better of the chances in that period. Rhian Brewster forced a decent save from Jose Sa on the Blades' first proper lurch forward and then James McAtee failed to take advantage of a Wanderers mistake. Mario Lemina gave the ball away, allowing Gustavo Hamer to pick out a long-range pass over the top to McAtee, running in behind Craig Dawson. All the attacking midfielder had to do was beat Sa but his effort was weak and beaten away.

Wanderers responded well to Sheffield United's brief flurry of attacking activity and opened the scoring in the 31st minute through in-form midfielder Pablo Sarabia. Rayan Ait-Nouri whipped in a terrific cross from deep on his weaker right foot and Sarabia made a great run to flick the ball into the net off his head. Confidence was taken from the goal as Gary O'Neil's men pushed for a second, with Toti Gomes, Sarabia and Hee-Chan Hwang all having half-chances.

The Blades had two good opportunities to equalise after the break as McAtee fired a low shot merely a few inches wide and Brewster tested Sa with a fierce attempt at the far post. Wolves then had a penalty shout when Joao Gomes saw a pass attempt blocked by the hand of Sheffield United midfielder Vini Souza. Referee Darren Bond and VAR Jarred Gillett weren't convinced, however, as they waved play on after a brief second look.

Molineux grew frustrated in the latter stages as Wolves often didn't pass forward even when decent runs were being made. The focus was on maintaining as much control in possession as possible, running the clock down. The 1-0 lead did look fragile as the visitors often got passes through into the danger zone but Wanderers did enough, just about, to hold on.

Wolves player ratings vs Sheffield United

Here's how BirminghamWorld reporter Charlie Haffenden rated the Wolves players on Sunday.

Jose Sa - 7

Made a decent stop to deny Brewster in the first half and made himself big, closing the angle for McAtee. Saved again from Brewster in the second half.

Maximilian Kilman - 6

Wasn’t afraid to dribble out from the back to progress possession before the goal but then lacked urgency to get forward afterward. Won his fair share of aerial duels.

Craig Dawson - 7

Solid to make a crucial, well-timed tackle on McAtee in the first half. Played a couple of nice crossfield passes to Semedo. Strong in the air as always and made some key blocks to help Wolves hold on.

Toti Gomes - 7

Made several strong tackles, interceptions and clearances. Displayed great desire to get back and make an excellent slide on Brewster, who was clean through on goal following a Jayden Bogle flick-on. Did lack composure late on, though, as he miscued clearances straight to the Blades.

Nelson Semedo - 6

Caused problems for Blades full-back Yasser Larouci and delivered one or two great crosses. Made a couple of necessary clearances. Booked for a tactical challenge on Brewster.

Mario Lemina - 7

Gave the ball cheaply away in the first half and it was nearly costly as McAtee had a good chance to score. Played well otherwise, though, as he broke up the play effectively and created a couple of half chances.

Joao Gomes - 7

Made more tackles than anyone else on the pitch and tracked back very well, sometimes dropping in between the centre backs for extra support. Lacked urgency in the second half, though, which was a little frustrating.

Rayan Ait-Nouri - 8 (OFF 77’)

Assisted Sarabia’s header with a terrific cross on his weak foot. That wasn’t his only good delivery, either, as he displayed good technique to play in Hwang and Lemina. Often stepped inside as an inverted wing-back, which worked well to help maintain possession. Wasn’t tasked with a lot defensively but tracked a couple of dangerous runs in behind.

Pablo Sarabia - 8 (OFF 90’)

Excellent run and header to score what turned out to be the winner. Deserved the goal as he was a threat with some great balls in behind. Went close with a second half effort from range. Did miss one good chance at the end of the first half and miscued a couple of ambitious passes in the second 45, mind.

Pedro Neto - 7

Instilled some rare urgency into Wolves’ attacks by taking on defenders and whipping in some decent crosses. Got involved between the lines and often made the correct calls.

Hee Chan Hwang - 5 (OFF 86’)

Pressed well and made some decent runs in the channels but struggled with his decision making. Didn’t look anywhere near as sharp as usual. Maybe some sort of fitness issue there.

Tommy Doyle - 6 (ON 77’)

Replaced Ait-Nouri with a quarter of an hour to go. Helped Wolves maintain control of the ball but didn’t get overly involved.

Jean-Ricner Bellegarde - N/A (ON 86’)

Came on when Wolves were sitting deep defensively, so no real opportunity for an impact.

Matt Doherty - N/A (ON 90’)

Similar to Bellegarde in the sense he didn’t have much chance to make an impression.