Toothless Newcastle drew 0-0 with bottom club Wolves, squandering their chances of finishing fifth in the Premier League with an overwhelming performance.
The Magpies did not have a shot on target until the 85th minute in a rainy and windy Molineux match. Eddie Howe’s side were unable to convert 66% of their possession into anything meaningful in the final third, with Nick Waltemaide and Joelinton both missing good opportunities in the air. Bruno Guimarães’ late wide slash capped off the performance.
There was a scramble at the back post in the first half, but Joelinton were unable to convert it, and after the break Kieran Trippier’s free-kick found the side netting, but it was another low-key game on Newcastle’s away day. They have won only two of their 11 away games this season.
In contrast, Wolves, who are currently undefeated in four games in the Premier League, were highly praised by their home fans for their fighting style. It was another positive step for Rob Edwards’ side following last weekend’s big FA Cup win over Shrewsbury.
They may be 14 points away from safety, but they are regaining their pride.
Meanwhile, Newcastle’s checkered campaign continues to suffer setbacks. They have moved up to eighth place, ahead of rivals Sunderland on goal difference.
Newcastle draw blank again
This was Newcastle’s fourth goalless draw of the Premier League season, four times more than their previous two league games combined (one in 2024/25 and zero in 2023/24).
Striker Woltemade has scored just two goals in his past 13 appearances, while another attacker, Anthony Gordon, has scored one goal in 10 games.
Newcastle had a total of 34 crosses but were unable to get the ball into the box. Newcastle manager Howe said after the game: “We’re looking for individual moments from players who can make a difference or something to energize us with a set piece.”
“We had chances until the end, but we didn’t take them.”
Redknapp: Newcastle drop two points but must take more risks
Jamie Redknapp of Sky Sports:
“There’s a bit of a lack of belief[away]. At home the crowd plays a big role, the atmosphere and the players might be a little more on the front foot.”
“Today you saw some of the crosses that went into the box and you think, “Guys, go all the way.” Good balls came from the right and from the left. But the forwards aren’t gambling, they’re not taking enough risks at the moment.
“I lost two points.
“Rob Edwards is probably happy to continue that run. Of course he wants three points. He’s learning about the players who want to be here next year.”
Howe: A Game of Frustration
Newcastle manager Eddie Howe: “We worked hard and went all the way to win that game. It was a frustrating game for us. They played very low and minimized their space so we had to have the intention to win the game every moment.”
“We had a lot of the ball. I didn’t think we used the ball enough. We weren’t sharp. But I thought we played better as the game went on and I thought the substitutions had a positive impact. I thought we controlled the game very early on once we had the ball.”
Edwards: Performance is steadily improving
Wolves manager Rob Edwards: “The game without the ball was a tremendous effort. There was a lot of dedication there. And to ask for the same energy and running power, especially against a team like them that is so strong in running, we’re asking for a lot. But we’re asking for a lot and to compete with a team like this, you have to respond right. That’s what we were today.”
“When we didn’t have the ball, we pretty much played in the areas we wanted. We didn’t want them to run through us and I don’t think they really did that. We restricted the ball a little bit.
“There’s a spirit there and you can see they’re fighting. There’s a real commitment there. That’s why the fans were there during the game and at the end of the game. They can appreciate that. They’ll experience football and they’ll know that Newcastle are good. The performances have been steadily improving and we’ve had some results as well.”
