Wolves made the trip to St James’ Park on Saturday afternoon, putting in their best Premier League display yet this season.
Wolves were quick out of the gates, peppering Newcastle’s goal in the opening minutes. Newcastle would return the favour, providing plenty of action in an electric first half.
Vitor Pereira’s lineup took everyone by surprise, making five changes from the loss to Everton before the break, with Tolu Arokodare and Ladislav Krejci making their debut.
The first half hour was an exciting back-and-forth, before Newcastle’s Nick Woltemade broke the deadlock with a debut headed goal.
That would be all there was to separate the sides. The second half was a dull affair.
Wolves player ratings vs Newcastle
Sam Johnstone – 7
Jose Sa couldn’t play today with a stomach bug, which provided Sam Johnstone an opportunity to show his worth.
He certainly did that with an outstanding save from point-blank range after a long throw caused Wolves problems. The first goal was a brilliant header that left him little chance. Other than that, he claimed balls well, and didn’t make any mistakes in possession.
Rodrigo Gomes – 6
Gomes’ goalscoring form earned him a start today, and it only took him 30 seconds to try for another.
He continued to show threat, inverting from the left. But he failed to make things happen. It could be argued that he should have made more of his chances.
Yerson Mosquera – 7
Mosquera’s return to action is a welcome one. His passing through the lines caused plenty of problems for Newcastle, bypassing their midfield. In defence, he looked steady.
Emmanuel Agbadou – 6
Agbadou could have done better for the first goal, losing the flight of the cross Newcastle converted. But it wasn’t a glaring error like he has been prone to this season.
Aside from that, Wolves stayed solid, so a better performance than what we’ve seen recently.
Toti Gomes – 6
Again, no major errors from the skipper. Stayed solid apart from that first goal.
Hugo Bueno – 6
Pereira’s decision to invert the wing-backs paid off, with both Gomes and Bueno causing Newcastle problems.
Bueno would switch to his preferred side, taking up good positions, but not finding that clinical pass.
Ladislav Krejci – 7
Krejci was brought in as a defender, but is already showing his versatility starting in a midfield three. His first notable action in a Wolves shirt was to earn a yellow card for a crunching challenge on Bruno Guimaraes.
He looked composed on the ball, defending with intelligence. He showed he can do a job in the middle of the park.
Andre – 5
Andre held his own against his fellow countrymen, but had no real impact on the game for Wolves.
Joao Gomes – 6
Gomes had his hands full with Newcastle’s imposing midfield.
He was good on both sides of the ball, but unable to provide a decisive moment.
Hwang Hee-chan – 5
Hwang has always enjoyed a clash with Newcastle, but today he was kept quiet. If he’s regularly starting in the Wolves front line, that’s concerning.
Tolu Arokodare – 6
New signing Tolu Arokodare made his debut today.
First things first, Tolu is a mountain of a man, not looking bothered by 6’7″ Dan Burn on his shoulder. He could have gotten himself a debut goal if not for a last-gasp interception by Fabian Schar.
He would be taken off after an hour. No surprise given his lack of match fitness. A promising appearance, though.
Substitutes
By the time the substitutes came on, the game had turned from an end-to-end spectacle to a cagey affair. None managed to impact the game to any real extent.
Jhon Arias – 5
Arias got stuck into challenges as usual, but looked awkward in the final third.
Marshall Munetsi – 5
Munetsi was a questionable substitution, who didn’t show much going forward. A more attacking option would have been better.
Jean-Ricner Bellegarde – 5
Bellegarde was an outlet at times, but couldn’t get the final pass right.
Fer Lopez – 5
Lopez should have been brought on sooner, but when introduced, he didn’t do a whole lot.
Jackson Tchatchoua – 5
Tchatchoua did no wrong defensively.