Wolves fell to a third defeat in four games in the Premier League on Sunday against Newcastle United – and Andy Thompson has leaped to the defence of one player.
Gary O’Neil‘s side were unlucky not to come away with at least a point, having taken the lead in the game and played some good football.
Wolves got their noses in front after Mario Lemina turned in Jorgen Strand Larsen’s cross from the right side.
Wolves may have increased their lead, with Strand Larsen having a couple of good opportunities. Matheus Cunha also had a great chance after a surge into the box, and saw a volley really well saved by Nick Pope late on.
Wolves were undone by two strikes from long distance which was unfortunate.
Some have been critical of Matt Doherty for his defending against Harvey Barnes, but Andy Thompson has stuck up for the full-back.
Andy Thompson claims Matt Doherty did ‘nothing wrong’ on Harvey Barnes goal
The 2-1 defeat was tough to take given the opportunities Wolves had.
On another day, Wanderers may have got their first win on the board. The strike from Fabian Schar took a nick off Craig Dawson and flew into the top corner. Had that sailed wide, Wolves may have held out for a win.
Doherty came in for a lot of stick from fans after the game for not getting tight enough to Barnes as he cut inside.
Even Gary O’Neil stated that he was ‘very disappointed’ that the winger was allowed to come inside onto his strong foot.
But Thompon has defended Doherty, believing other players should have stepped in to deal with the danger.
He said (as quoted by Wolves official): “You’ve had two great goals scored against you, both into the top corner, but what he will look at is the way they’ve scored them and that’s nothing to do with the back four. People have to step out.
“Doherty’s done nothing wrong, he’s tried to force him inside where he thinks there’s going to be people to help him and step out.”
Doherty should do better, but others not blameless
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This is a take that some Wolves fans will not agree with, especially given O’Neil’s comments.
Ultimately Doherty was the closest player to Barnes and maybe he could have shown him down the line and not inside where he could be dangerous.
It was reminiscent of the goal Bukayo Saka scored in the first game, when Rayan Ait-Nouri let him come inside on his stronger foot.
Strand Larsen was also close by and might have done better, and Joao Gomes was also near when Barnes was actually taking the shot.
Collectively it was an avoidable goal, and everyone must do more in those situations.