Newcastle got back into the winning column with a hard-fought 2-1 win over Wolves at St. James’ Park. It was a difficult feat but the losing skid comes to an end with a critical win.
Newcastle played in the 4-3-3 with Pope in goal behind Trippier, Schar, Botman, and Burn. The midfielders were Guimaraes, Longstaff, and Willock. Isak played up front alongside Murphy and Saint-Maximin.
The match started brightly with both teams getting up the pitch. Newcastle had the bulk of possession but neither side was able to get any shot away in the opening stages of the game.
In the 20th minute, Newcastle escaped a disaster. Botman rolled the ball back to Pope on the edge of the box but a loose touch was pounced on by Raul Jiminez. The two players brushed shoulders with Jiminez dropping to the turf. A VAR check ruled confirmed it was not a penalty.
Newcastle took the lead in the 26th minute. A sweeping free-kick from Trippier was met by Isak in the middle of the box. The Swede headed the ball toward the far corner just past the outstretched palm of Jose Sa to make it 1-0.
The bar prevented a 2-0 lead in the 35th minute with Newcastle piling the pressure on Wolves. Trippier’s corner was pulled back by Burn at the far post. Guimaraes nodded the ball off the bar as Wolves escaped.
Howe didn’t make any changes as Newcastle came out for the second half with a slim 1-0 advantage. Wolves, who swapped out Adama Traore for Pedro Neto, started the half on the front foot but were limited to two shots from distance.
The match became a high-octane affair with both clubs having promising forays into the opposition’s end. Wolves saw much more of the ball while failing to create clear-cut chances other than a flashed shot from Moutinho that Pope did well to parry away in the 63rd minute.
Howe went to the bench in the 68th minute with Isak and Saint-Maximin being withdrawn for Callum Wilson and Miguel Almiron. Murphy jumped over the left flank with Miggy taking up duties on the right.
It was a Wolves substitute to make the instant impact. Hwang Hee-Chan, who had just come on, rolled the ball into the goal to make it 1-1 in the 70th minute. Pope came out as Trippier slipped trying to clear the ball leaving an open net for the Wolves attacker.
The Magpies retook the lead in the 79th minute through Almiron. On a break, Longstaff found the Paraguayan down the right. He played a one-two with Willock before his deflected shot from a tight angle found the top corner.
Matt Ritchie made his entrance in the 85th minute for Murphy. Newcastle created a great move from a corner in stoppage time with the ball ending up at Botman’s feet. The Dutchman put his shot just wide of the near post.
Newcastle were able to see out the match and secure the points. They move to fifth in the table with matches in hand on the clubs around them. There are still plenty of kinks to iron out but the lads got the job done this evening.

251 comments so far
coming home
Mar 12, 2023 at 6:56 PM
Comment #41Raj
It did go to VAR
Did you not see the ref telling Wolves players that it was VARS decision
And VAR decided it was not a clear mistake by the Ref
IrishRob
Mar 12, 2023 at 6:56 PM
Comment #42Howe couldn’t hold in his laughter when asked did he think it was a penalty against Pope. Lol
SirRhosis
Mar 12, 2023 at 6:56 PM
Comment #43Ought to Lie in a hospital bed more often if this is the luck it brings
IrishRob
Mar 12, 2023 at 6:56 PM
Comment #44😉
Raj of Hailsley
Mar 12, 2023 at 6:56 PM
Comment #45LCBP,
I didn’t see at that way, shapes his body likes he’s going to do something, I think he was poor.
CLINT FLICK
Mar 12, 2023 at 6:57 PM
Comment #46Oh man!
Great, deserved and massive win!
Isak shows why!
Why no pen for hb after Bruno hit the bar?
Why no red for last man ‘pro’ foul on Murphy?
Why does Trippier try to hoof when Pope had it covered?
Miggy…Boom!
So, all good!
😉
Bigjim67
Mar 12, 2023 at 6:57 PM
Comment #47Massive win, was living on my nerves during most of the 2nd half but was a deserved 3 points.
Isak was brilliant, surely he has to start ahead of Wilson on Friday. Miggy did what Miggy does.
HWTL
Davas
Mar 12, 2023 at 6:57 PM
Comment #48I thought Bruno still did OK today but I wonder if his ankle is still niggling him or if he’s training fully. He also took a couple of kicks on it today that seemed to trouble him
IrishRob
Mar 12, 2023 at 6:57 PM
Comment #49Gutted about Gordon just when he was getting to full fitness.
People on twitter seemed certain it was illness today, why tf do people lie about stupid shit like that.
Raj of Hailsley
Mar 12, 2023 at 7:00 PM
Comment #50ch,
VAR didn’t take up the decision to decide themselves and re-ref it, it was a penalty so how is it not a clear and obvious error if the ref got it wrong. So much work needs doing with VAR.
Ty21
Mar 12, 2023 at 7:00 PM
Comment #51Raj of Hailsley
Think VAR and the ref seems to agree it’s a clash of bodies when Pope is trying to get back to cover the goal. Said it’s lucky because it’s 50-50 for me, could have been given too.
Raj of Hailsley
Mar 12, 2023 at 7:00 PM
Comment #52Before I get rounded on I’m just responding to what the pundits were talking about.
Ty21
Mar 12, 2023 at 7:01 PM
Comment #53Seen clearer penalty claims not given either…….
coming home
Mar 12, 2023 at 7:02 PM
Comment #54Yeah was 50/50 and we got the call I’m happy with that as we’ve had it go other way quite a lot
coming home
Mar 12, 2023 at 7:04 PM
Comment #55Raj
Don’t think you’ll get rounded on as quiet a few think it was a pen, me I’m 50/50
CLINT FLICK
Mar 12, 2023 at 7:06 PM
Comment #56Ty
Var and ref knew the wolves lad ran into Pope, obviously.
😉
scott
Mar 12, 2023 at 7:07 PM
Comment #57The wolves handball was a definite penalty too (according to the pundits!) so we got away with one & missed out on one!
Sir Pugalot, the Dutch Bulldog
Mar 12, 2023 at 7:10 PM
Comment #58FACT. We won. They lost. 🙂
cyprus
Mar 12, 2023 at 7:10 PM
Comment #59Pope needs to boot it in that kind of situation. Could’ve easily been given.
Thanks VAR guy.
Deserved win, but you see how competitive this league is.
Best ever pl season? Probably. No easy games, no big two or big six, everyone can beat everyone.
How cool is that.
CLINT FLICK
Mar 12, 2023 at 7:10 PM
Comment #60AG being given training homework…divvent fret!
😉
Ty21
Mar 12, 2023 at 7:10 PM
Comment #61If Pope had his arm or leg that clashes to Jimenez, then it’s higher chance is a penalty. As Pope turn and run towards his goal, naturally if there is any contact, it got to be his right shoulder.
coming home
Mar 12, 2023 at 7:10 PM
Comment #62JOHN TERRY
“Newcastle are so good to watch “
Sir Pugalot, the Dutch Bulldog
Mar 12, 2023 at 7:11 PM
Comment #63Apart from Spuds, could not have a better set of results.
magscar
Mar 12, 2023 at 7:11 PM
Comment #64Exhausted after that but 3 points in bag and some improved peformances up front even though we should have had more first half
Isak fully justified his start and hopefully continues at Forest but Howe may see an away game differently? Wilson stilled looked out of sorts both in press and getting into positions – hopefully it’s something that time and a rest can overcome though as he’s a top player
Not convinced that was a penalty but could see that on another day VAR could call it different – thought Wolves player (Jiminez?) played for it and launched into Pope as he was falling trying to win penalty
Having said that another replay does seem to show Pope putting shoulder into Jiminez?
One thing is for sure it’s a part of Pope’s game that needs immediate improvement
CLINT FLICK
Mar 12, 2023 at 7:12 PM
Comment #65Cyprus
This is the toughest, most competitive league on earth, baby!
CLINT FLICK
Mar 12, 2023 at 7:14 PM
Comment #66Ty
If Pope sticks anything out, pen…but, in point of fact…the other way round is what actually happened…no pen!
Nicky the ball tosser
Mar 12, 2023 at 7:14 PM
Comment #673 points, magic. Also very happy that we can ring 5 changes, and all 5 did well, just as all the changes last week did well. Just need Wilson back in form, and just maybe we really will give Liverpool and Spurs a run for their money in the hunt for fourth, which would be huge
cyprus
Mar 12, 2023 at 7:15 PM
Comment #68Clint
True. But, eventually, big six almost ALWAYS end up in top six. Not too healthy that.
Maybe there’ll be a shake up this year.
Like nufc in top four 😉
carltoon
Mar 12, 2023 at 7:19 PM
Comment #69JohnJ yes I got a link, we’re six hours ahead, so had to keep the sound off as my husband was a s!eep.
First half great we really need to finish our chances off.
Thought Bruno was off the pace but still did well, Willock had a brilliant game, my Man of the match. Was Longstaff on the pitch? He just never got into the game, Maxi played well with Isaak, brilliant goal. That’s how to score a header.
Second half wasn’t great to watch, and my link started to buffer, but I saw a replay of Miggys goal, great worked goal. Brilliant to be back on track.
JohnJ
Mar 12, 2023 at 7:23 PM
Comment #70IrishRob
Mar 12, 2023 at 6:43 PM
Comment #24
I think we will probably see Gordon start for Maxi next match.
It Seems Gordon has an injury so out for 2 or 3 weeks.
Mister Tuff
Mar 12, 2023 at 7:23 PM
Comment #71See that bloke who isn’t a centre forward scored our first goal.
That bloke from South Shields , I think it was, who wears the Cuban heels said he wasn’t a centre forward/number 9.
carltoon
Mar 12, 2023 at 7:26 PM
Comment #72Dan Burn put a shift in mind, crikey he’s just bulldozed the Wolves defenders down. I thought Murphy did well too, he makes a more balanced.
Pope! Can he please stop rushing to get the ball outside his box then making a pigs ear out of it. I thought he was lucky to g et away with it.
He did make some good saves.
Fantastic three points though.
Goodnight it must be 3 am now. And I’m up early to sun bathe again.
Ty21
Mar 12, 2023 at 7:27 PM
Comment #73carltoon
Indeed some big saves!
Raj of Hailsley
Mar 12, 2023 at 7:29 PM
Comment #74Mister Tuff,
Why don’t you foo# right off with the insults you old pervert, had enough of you and your lot today!!!
carltoon
Mar 12, 2023 at 7:29 PM
Comment #75Magscar nice to see you posting again.
Goodnight
CLINT FLICK
Mar 12, 2023 at 7:30 PM
Comment #76Cyprus
The usual 6 aren’t nailed on anymore, tho’!
Regan
Mar 12, 2023 at 7:30 PM
Comment #77Good night sweet cheeks..
carltoon
Mar 12, 2023 at 7:31 PM
Comment #78Ty21 definitely.
Goodnight again.
CLINT FLICK
Mar 12, 2023 at 7:33 PM
Comment #79Isak put a big shift in, so much more to his game, mobility, agility, acuracy!
carltoon
Mar 12, 2023 at 7:33 PM
Comment #80Goodnight Regan, your wife needs a medal the size of a bin lid, for twelve years of your cheek.
Happy anniversary I hope she loved the presents flowers and chocs.