NICK PARKES TALKS ABOUT WOLVES 3-0 DEFEAT TO NEWCASTLE UNITED
FIRST HALF
Wolves started the game confidently and were looking dangerous going forward. The crowd rallied after a typical Neto run from his own half into the opponent’s box but eventually crowded out, and just after Sarabia found himself in a good position on the edge of the box but his shot from distance was blocked and out for a corner. Newcastle’s opening goal came about from Wolves having possession high up the field. They broke quickly and with room to run into, the ball found Guimeras whose shot was blocked and the ball looped up unluckily for Wolves straight to the head of Isak who headed in. A slice of luck but Newcastle were deadly on the counter attack and 1-0 ahead after 15 minutes.
During the first half Wolves was guilty of playing football facing their own goal. Trying to play out from the back and with Newcastle’s press, we struggled to play out from the back and eventually would be crowded out on the wings facing the wrong way. When we played the ball through the middle there was room to run into but with Cunha missing, we missed having a ball carrying attacker to pick up the ball from deep.
Newcastle took advantage of our poor play by making it 2-0 just after the half hour mark. They break the lines in midfield and were able to run with freedom, the ball was played out wide and then played into the box across the floor with Sa coming out to intercept. He didn’t get enough of a connection on it and the ball ended up at the feet of Gordan who easily passed into an open net. 2 simple goals for Newcastle, one with a touch of luck but the second gifted by Wolves.
SECOND HALF
More injuries plagued Wolves as O’Neil was forced into 2 subs as Sa and Neto came for Bentley and Fraser.
The first real talking point of the second half was the excellent goal line touch from Toti to prevent Newcastle a third goal. A cross into our box found more than one Newcastle player free and with the goal destined for the right hand corner, Toti stuck a leg out to put it out for a corner. Shortly after, Wolves made another change with Hugo Bueno replacing Toti and with Ait-Nouri pushed into midfield, O’Neil looked to be as attacking as possible with a squad with only a few goals to their name.
Wolves did improve in the second half and caused Newcastle more problems. The subs seemed to make a difference with more purpose and energy. Bellegarde (who had a quiet game overall) found a pocket of space on the edge of the box but only to put his effort over the bar. A great break from Lemina a minute later found Fraser 18 yards out and his shot was well saved as it was heading into the opposite bottom corner. Another big chance only a few minutes later found Sarabia at the back post but after a beautiful cross in, his effort at close range was saved and pushed out for a corner. This 10 minute period was Wolves’s opportunity to get back in the game and it was crucial we made one count.
Unfortunately for Wolves the goal wouldn’t come and when Newcastle brought on fresh legs the game fizzled out. And with only a few minutes left Newcastle got their third and killed any tiny hope of a comeback. With Bueno pushing up high, there was a gap to run into and Livramento ran into our box and with a bit of luck the ball bounced off him to trickle into the net.
FINAL THOUGHTS
A game too many for a small squad which keeps getting smaller by the game and albeit not our best performance, a game where we put in effort and looked to fight back. Nelson Semedo had another good game both defensively and going forward. Joao Gomes and Cunha were the perfect players for this game and we lacked their abilities in defence and attack. With news that Hwang is out for 6 weeks, let’s cross our fingers that Neto and Gomes are fit for a few crucial weeks coming up for Wolves. Not the best day up north but 3-0 does not do the game justice.
We go again next week!
ARTICLE BY NICK PARKES
Hi, I’m Nick! Born in Wolverhampton and currently living in Barcelona. I’ve been a Wolves fan since birth (dad’s choice) and was a north bank season ticket holder in my younger days. My favourite all-time player, Bully!
I’m an English teacher by trade and when I’m not scolding teenagers in the class, I’m either running, gardening or watching cricket!