Newcastle continued a budding rivalry with Wolves in 2019/20
With the club’s main rival out of the picture, Newcastle United have started to build a closely-contested series with Wolverhampton.
In sports, rivalries are typically formed by proximity or history, but sometimes, it’s simply the play on the pitch that allows a rivalry to form. With Sunderland down in League One, Newcastle United have lacked a rival for the past few seasons.
Since Wolves returned to the Premier League after the 2017/18 season, they have played four closely-contested matches vs. Newcastle and are starting to emerge as a potential rival. Before the next meeting between the sides, let’s look back at last season.
10/27/19: Newcastle United 1, Wolves 1
Jamaal Lascelles put Newcastle United on the board with a goal in the first half at St. James’ Park. It was fellow central defender, Federico Fernandez, that provided the cross for the captain’s header. The hosts were the better side in the first 45 minutes
In the second half, the momentum switched and Wolves began to assert themselves. After some close calls, they found an equalizer. Martin Dubravka wasn’t able to punch away or collect a cross and it fell to Jonny, who smashed it into the back of the net. In the 82nd minute, Sean Longstaff was shown a straight red card after a very reckless challenge. But, 10-man NUFC held on to split the points.
1/11/20: Wolves 1, Newcastle United 1
Just like the previous fixture vs. Wolves, it was Newcastle that went ahead early. Miguel Almiron’s energetic start was rewarded with a goal in the 7th minute. Dwight Gayle received a quick pass from Jetro Willems and touched the ball into Miggy’s path.
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After a VAR check to confirm no penalty should be awarded on a Ciaran Clark challenge of Raul Jimenez, Wolves found their equalizer on a corner kick. Leander Dendoncker knocked him the ball to level things in the 14th minute. Gayle and Paul Dummett would leave before the half-hour mark with leg injuries, leaving Steve Bruce with just one tactical substitution. But, the scoreline would remain 1-1 through the final whistle.