Wolves manager Gary O’Neil has expressed his dissatisfaction over one part of his squad’s defeat to Newcastle United.
It was a devastating afternoon for the Old Gold at Molineux, as Wolves suffered defeat to Newcastle late on in the game.
The hosts took the lead in the first half thanks to Mario Lemina however, all of the hard work was undone by two impressive strikes from the Magpies.
First Fabian Schar fired a ferocious shot at Sam Johnstone, with another sublime effort then getting the better of the England international, as Harvey Barnes netted Newcastle’s winner five minutes later.
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Gary O’Neil fires subtle warning at Matt Doherty after Newcastle defeat
While the two shots were unstoppable after leaving both player’s boots, Barnes’ winner was more than preventable, as the manager stressed.
Speaking after the game to Sky Sports, O’Neil was proud of his players in all areas aside from the match winner.
“The second goal I am really disappointed with,” O’Neil admitted.
“We speak to the fullbacks every day about showing the wingers outside, all the time, literally every day since I’ve been here.
“Harvey Barnes is allowed to come inside and it’s a fantastic finish.”
O’Neil then went on to express his sadness over Nelson Semedo leaving the field before the goal was conceded, hinting that his replacement, Matt Doherty, had not maintained the Portugal international’s standards.
“Nelson Semedo coming off was a big blow. He is really important to us so for him to come off was a big miss.”
Doherty was introduced moments after Schar’s equaliser as Semedo had to be replaced as a result of cramp.
Doherty’s lack of effort cost Wolves the game
The Irishman’s job was simple, to ensure that Newcastle’s wide threat was covered so that the game was not thrown away, which proved to be something he could not do.
Doherty allowed Barnes to cut in and line up the shot, all whilst gesturing for one of his teammates to help him close the Englishman down.
It was a sensational strike from Barnes, but was also one that should have been closed down, with the former Leicester City star given far too much time on the ball.
Had the winger not scored late on, Wolves might have got a much-needed result from the game, with Doherty’s lack of effort to preserve a result exposing his current level of commitment.