Murphy’s free kick salvages a point for Newcastle vs. Wolves

Newcastle United got a late goal from Jacob Murphy to finish level with Wolves at 1-1.

In another closely-contested match between Newcastle United and Wolves, each side scored late in the second half to finish level at 1-1. Raul Jimenez beat Karl Darlow from outside the box before Jacob Murphy equalized directly from a free kick.

Jacob Murphy: Wing-back, free-kick specialist?

With an unusual lineup selected by Steve Bruce, Jacob Murphy got a rare start and actually played as the wing-back on the right side. He had some nervy moments defensively, but his pace and attack-minded play going forward was a boost.

Then, with Newcastle trailing, he snuck a shot in from a free kick at the near post to secure a point for the Magpies. It was a good strike and an overall solid performance from Murphy.

Was either goal unstoppable?

Both shots were quality and did what they needed to do. But, both keepers will be frustrated they conceded on those efforts.

Jimenez’s strike didn’t find the corner and was at a saveable spot for Darlow, but he couldn’t get enough of a hand on it.

Murphy’s free kick snuck in that near post, largely because of a late reaction from Rui Patricio and a questionable set up of the wall.

Uneven performance from the Magpies

As per usual under Steve Bruce, there were large chunks of the match, especially early, where NUFC sat deep and defended, offering very little possession or attacking presence.

When they put their foot on the gas and controlled the ball, there were some positive stretches for Newcastle. But, they finished with only 37% possession and five shots (compared to 16 for Wolves). It’s expected at this point from Bruce’s tenure but still frustrating to watch.

Quick Kicks

• In addition to Murphy’s solid outing, Miguel Almiron may have been the best player on the pitch for Newcastle. Getting a start finally, he was able to drive the ball forward, try to distribute when needed, and put in a good shift defensively.
• Jeff Hendrick underwhelmed again for the Magpies. He was back in his natural position as a central midfielder, but he wasn’t crisp in his passing or assertive enough in his defensive work.
• Fabian Schar was really good today as one of the three defenders. After a rocky 2019-20 campaign, he’s starting to get back into the form we saw in 2018-19.
• Bruce has to be the least proactive manager in the EPL. He rarely gets out in front of tactical changes that need to be made and he holds onto his three substitutions until the last 10-15 minutes seemingly every match.

What’s Next?

Next Sunday, Newcastle will face the league-leading Toffees of Everton. Led by Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Everton have picked up 13 points thus far and suffered their only loss of the season today vs. So’ton.