LEWIS HICKEY REPORTS ON WOLVES 0-0 DRAW WITH NEWCASTLE TO EARN A VALUABLE POINT AND CONTINUE AN UNBEATEN RUN
On the back of the 6-1 FA Cup delight at the weekend, Rob Edward’s and the boys face a Newcastle team in good Premier League form. Let’s hope we can continue our unbeaten start to the year with a positive result against the Toon. It’s one change from the draw at Everton last time out in the Premier League and it sees Andre come in for Arias.
Newcastle start brightly and win a corner but Wolves defend it well. Hall for Newcastle is being used a lot down the left hand side and he’s causing chaos with his delivery. Mosquera does brilliantly and wins the ball and drives past 2 or 3 Newcastle players until he’s taken down by Hall who should’ve received a yellow card.
It’s mostly all Newcastle, Woltemade has two headed efforts in quick succession. The first is a cross from deep which he heads far wide of the post and the second is another cross which he gets a good contact on but it’s over the bar and onto the roof of the net.
Wolves are creating some chances now and clipped ball over the top of the defence from Andre finds Mane who squares it for Tolu, but Pope gets to it first, Mosquera is carrying the ball so well today. Picks it up and runs 50 yards with the ball almost getting through on goal when it was 5vs1 at one point! Shortly after a long throw in for Wolves is flicked on by Santi at the front post and it finds Mane whose overhead kick attempt is straight at Pope.
Nearly the opener for Newcastle, a scramble at the far post from a corner and somehow Sa gathers the ball. Andre and Gomes have been quality, Andre cuts a pass out with a wonderful slide tackle, Gomes takes the ball and drives with it. He puts in a dangerous cross that’s turned behind for a corner. The last action of the half sees Hugo Bueno come close to his first goal of the season. Great team play and it’s eventually switched to Bueno who’s in the 18 yard box, he beats Hall and curls an effort from the right hand side of the box and it’s only just over the bar. A good half for Wolves who defended well and stopped Newcastle from creating many clear cut chances.
Half time Wolves 0 Newcastle 0
The second half starts and there is no chances for either side. Not long in to the second half and Andre wins the ball, spreads the ball wide to Gomes who crosses to Mosquera who heads it over the bar. Possibly taking it off Tolu’s head. Andre again wins the ball and breaks forward and is taken down by Tonali who gets a yellow card, a good start to the half from Wolves.
On 65 minutes Tolu is subbed off for Larsen and Wissa, Elanga and Miley come on for Newcastle. The story of the second half so far is Newcastle having a lot of the ball and Wolves defending in a solid shape.
Edward’s freshens things up in midfield and takes Gomes off for Arias to give a bit more attacking threat from midfield. Newcastle pilling on the pressure after the 75th minute constant crosses into the box, the latest flashes straight through the penalty area.
A free kick is given for a challenge from Mosquera on Barnes and it’s a great chance for Trippier to have a go at goal. He steps up and hits the side netting, Sa was seriously worried.
Wolves have done well at sitting in an organised shape and breaking when they win the ball and on this occasion Hugo Bueno takes the ball past Trippier and drives down the left wing and delivers a teasing ball in which Hall has to clear for a corner.
Tchachoua has been brilliant this second half tracking the runners in behind, his pace is really helping out the back 3 when they are cut open. Rodrigo Gomes is introduced on 86 minutes and is immediately breaking through the middle of the pitch causing Newcastle trouble and he’s taken down about 40 yards from goal.
Wolves keep breaking on the counter and Larsen is played through and his shot deflects out for a corner. A big chance for Newcastle straight after and it’s a great double save from Sa, the first from a Bruno Guimaraes half volley which he pushed into the air, Joelinton stabs it towards goal and Sa gathers it.
The match finishes 0-0 and it’s a well earned point against a strong side who are pushing for Europe. Wolves still unbeaten this year and you can see the team are still fighting for the fans.
Full time Wolves 0 Newcastle 0
ARTICLE BY LEWIS HICKEY
Hi, I’m Lewis, a season ticket holder in the Steve Bull. Always going with my dad and brother. Enjoying every moment apart from the odd few. FWAW.