Wolves really needed this. Winless and goalless in four games, the colour had drained from a very positive start to the season.
But this performance and result, albeit one against a Brighton stricken by Covid and low confidence, was restorative for Bruno Lage and his players.
They defended resolutely, absorbing plenty of first-half pressure before Romain Saiss scored comprehensively against the run of play.
Brighton, now without a win in 11 Premier League games and slipping down the standings, lacked the quality to fight their way back into it.