Things have not been great for Newcastle United so far this campaign. The Magpies, struggling lower down the standings, travelled to Molineux this afternoon to clash heads with Wolves. Despite fighting back before the break, Steve Bruce’s men failed to contain Hee-Chan Hwang and suffered a disappointing 2-1 defeat. The South Korean hitman fired in a brace and secured all three points for the Midlanders.
Below are the Newcastle United players rated in their defeat against Wolves.
Karl Darlow: 5.5
Did not have to pull off many saves but conceded twice in an almost identical manner when Raul Jimenez set it up for Hwang in each half.
Javier Manquillo: 6
Assisted Hendrick for his first-half equalizer. However, the Spaniard had a tough time down the right as he kept on losing duels against the flair of Hwang. Was taken off midway through the second half for Jacob Murphy.
Federico Fernandez: 6
Captained the side in the absence of Jamaal Lascelles. Looked confident with his passes but struggled to contain Jimenez high up the pitch.
Ciaran Clark: 6.5
Was mostly spot on with his tackles. Made some crucial recoveries. Tried to build the game up from the back, yet his positioning could have been better on quite a few occasions.
Matt Ritchie: 7
Kept on whipping in crosses from the left-hand flank following his overlapping runs. Created a few chances with his cut insides and swift movements, also covered the ground left behind to prevent counter-attacks.
Isaac Hayden: 7
Mostly operated from the hole, rather formed a ‘back five’ at times. Tried to carry the ball forward from the deep and showed his physicality and tackling traits to regain possession in midfield.
Sean Longstaff: 6.5
Had an attempt blocked by the Wolves defence. His long balls were mostly accurate, but he found it difficult to dominate the game from the centre of the pitch. Showed glimpses of his quality.
Joe Willock: 6
Was managing a toe injury of late and the former Arsenal youngster became the latest addition to Newcastle’s growing injury list when he was forced to leave the pitch at the backend of the first half. Jeff Hendrick replaced him in the middle of the park.
Miguel Almiron: 6.5
Worked hard as always to marshall the defence and offer his presence in the attacking third. Tried to dribble past the opponents, however, the Paraguayan could have been more direct and should have shown more promptness in terms of decision making. Made way for Dwight Gayle late in the match.
Joelinton: 5.5
Had a few attempts either blocked. Kept on getting dispossessed and his lack of productivity upfront led to further frustration while chasing the game.
Allan Saint-Maximin: 7.5
Completed the most number of dribbles. Looked purposeful with his mazy runs, smart footwork and creative spark. Often helped the midfield to win the ball back.
Newcastle United Substitutes Vs Wolves
Jeff Hendrick: 7
Got introduced in place of injured Willock and found the net minutes later from a close range. Nothing spectacular otherwise from the midfielder.
Jacob Murphy: 6.5
Did well defensively but could not create enough chances with his pace and marauding runs down the right-hand flank.
Dwight Gayle: 6
Had an attempt off target late in the contest.
