Newcastle United was to face Wolves at the Molineux Stadium on their 4th matchday of the 2024/25 campaign. While the Magpies club hadn't been at their best so far, the club showed in the fixture that they won't forget their never-giving-up attitude. With Wolves coming from a dull phase and Wolves not in peak form, the match was expected to be much more enthralling, and it turned out the same exactly.
Late strikes from Schar and Barnes rescue Newcastle to a 2-1 win against Wolves
Eddie Howe had picked his lineup, very much similar to what was expected, but there was a bit of intrigue. While it was being rumored that Hall could be started deservedly, and he did start, choosing Jacob Murphy on the right wing over options like Harvey Barnes seemed a bit off. But, in the end, as it turned out, the manager would be very happy for the complete 3 points.
From the very beginning, Newcastle had decided to fancy their chances for an early goal. In fact, in the 23rd minute, Gordon, producing a moment of magic, dribbled smoothly past multiple defenders but got denied off the post in the end. In between the continuous attempts made by Howe's side, Wolves' Strand Larsen charged into a quick counter, finding Lemina in the box, who made it 1-0 for the hosts.
The first half ended with the Wolves leading 1-0, but two brilliant moves made by Howe early in the second half changed the course of the game. Bringing on in form Sandro Tonali for Longstaff, young star Joe Willock for Joelinton, and the club's ace winger Harvey Barnes for Alexander Isak proved significantly crucial in the game ahead.
In the 75th minute, Captain Bruno Guimaraes, who hadn't enjoyed a smooth evening so far, teed up Fabian Schar, whose thunderous 30-yard equalizer brought Newcastle back into the game. Schar, who had been returning from suspension, worked miraculously for Newcastle, shaking up the Molineux with his strike.
The winner didn't come much after, as a brilliant play between the two subs, Harvey Barnes and Joe Willock, combined with a brilliant 25-yard curler from wing star Barnes, did the job for Newcastle. Overall, it was another masterclass show from Barnes, Tonali, and Willock that turned the game for Newcastle.
With this 2-1 away victory, Eddie Howe's side has climbed the Premier League table, reaching the third spot, just behind Manchester City and Arsenal. Even though it came late, Newcastle fans would be much happier to finish the fixture with the complete 3 points and would hope the club continues this way in the season ahead.