Sky Sports commentator Jamie Carragher questioned Rayan Ait-Nouri’s role in Newcastle United’s winning goal from Miguel Almiron in the 2-1 defeat at St. James’ Park.
Wolves could not follow up the brilliant win over Tottenham Hotspur, and remain four points above the relegation zone.
Alexander Isak gave Newcastle the lead in the game.
Hwang Hee-chan equalised for Wanderers in the second-half after a trip by Kieran Trippier.
Wolves were then in the ascendency.
But Julen Lopetegui went to a back three again, sending on Nathan Collins.
Wolves then played with wing-backs, and Newcastle exploited the space for their winning goal.
Almiron was the scorer for Wolves and it was a little fortuitous in that his shot deflected off Max Kilman.
On commentary for Sky, Carragher appeared to lay some of the blame with £10 million man Ait-Nouri.
He said just after the goal on Sky Sports: “Brilliant goal. Again it looked like there was space down that side. Where is the wing-back?
“That pass from Joe Willock is fantastic.
“Julen Lopetegui got a lot of praise for his changes last week. As soon as they got it back to 1-1 today they were in the ascendency. It was almost like he was delighted and that he wanted a point. It hasn’t quite looked right since he went to a back five. A couple of occasions in wide positions, far too easy for Newcastle. And then the third time they make them pay.”
Newcastle really exploited Wolves after Lopetegui decision to move to a back three
Lopetegui’s decision to move to a back three with wing-backs was a strange one.
Wolves were in the ascendency at 1-1 and it didn’t feel all that necessary to change the system.
As soon as it happened, Newcastle made Wanderers pay.
Ait-Nouri was caught extremely high up the pitch and Kilman had to wander out to the wing to see to the danger.
He was then out of position as Newcastle carved through to score, and he was unable to get back into the position he needed to be in.