Diogo Jota fired Wolves to victory in their revenge mission against Watford as they took charge of the race for seventh.
Ben Foster’s error gifted Jota a second-half winner at Vicarage Road to clinch a late 2-1 victory.
Seventh would net a Europa League qualifying spot if the Hornets lose to Manchester City in next month’s FA Cup final.
Just 20 days after the Hornets beat Wolves 3-2 in extra-time in their thrilling FA Cup semi-final, Nuno Espirito Santo’s men laid some ghosts to rest.
Gerard Deulofeu was their Wembley tormentor and Willy Boly’s last ditch interception halted the Spain international’s burst into the box after four minutes.
Foster gathered Ruben Neves’ drive and Deulofeu slipped at the vital moment after going through on the right, yet they were rare moments of excitement.
Two minutes later Will Hughes should have opened the scoring when he completely miscued a free header after Adrian Mariappa’s knockdown.
The gilt-edged chances were out of keeping with the game’s mundane nature but Watford were made to pay for their miss four minutes before the break.
Yet the visitors’ lead lasted just three minutes into the second half after they gifted Watford a way back.
Bennett’s terrible backpass fell straight to Deulofeu and, after Rui Patricio saved at his feet, the ball ran for Gray to lash in from 15 yards.
It was the Wolverhampton-born striker’s fifth goal in his last seven games at Vicarage Road but was almost cancelled out immediately when Jota nodded over.
The 36-year-old went walkabout as he tried to claim Neves’ deep cross to allow the unmarked Jota to guide in a cushioned volley at the far post from six yards.
