diff --git a/tests/test_gossip.py b/tests/test_gossip.py
index b4c71dd17..9a392bc35 100644
--- a/tests/test_gossip.py
+++ b/tests/test_gossip.py
@@ -426,8 +426,9 @@ def test_gossip_persistence(node_factory, bitcoind):
     # Now spend the funding tx, generate a block and see others deleting the
     # channel from their network view
     l1.rpc.dev_fail(l2.info['id'])
-    time.sleep(1)
-    bitcoind.generate_block(1)
+
+    # We need to wait for the unilateral close to hit the mempool
+    bitcoind.generate_block(1, wait_for_mempool=1)
 
     wait_for(lambda: active(l1) == [scid23, scid23])
     wait_for(lambda: active(l2) == [scid23, scid23])