Newcastle triumph over Wolves with late goals to secure top three spot
Wolverhampton Wanderers' Craig Dawson in action with Newcastle United's Fabian Schar during Premier League match between Wolverhampton Wanderers vs Newcastle United at Molineux Stadium, Wolverhampton, Britain on September 15, 2024. Photo REUTERS
WOLVERHAMPTON, England: Newcastle United overturned a halftime deficit to secure a 2-1 victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers at Molineux on Sunday, with two stunning long-range goals in five minutes lifting them to third in the Premier League standings.
Wolves captain Mario Lemina had given the home side a 36th-minute lead, and they looked on course for their first league win of the season at the break. However, Fabian Schar’s speculative shot, deflected in the 75th minute, brought Newcastle level. Five minutes later, Harvey Barnes scored a spectacular winner, leaving nothing to chance.
Both goals came from outside the penalty area, turning the match around after Wolves had dominated much of the game. Wolves remain in the relegation zone with only one point from their opening four matches, while Newcastle moved up to 10 points, level with second-placed Arsenal on goal difference and two points behind leaders Manchester City.
Newcastle started strongly, with Anthony Gordon striking the post in the 24th minute following a swift run down the left. Wolves then seized control and took the lead after Jorgen Strand Larsen broke on the counter, sending a cross into the box that Joao Gomes cleverly let pass, allowing Lemina to slot home.
Strand Larsen came close to doubling Wolves' advantage early in the second half but struck the post. Newcastle goalkeeper Nick Pope also made two crucial saves before the tide turned. Schar’s shot from distance took a deflection off Wolves defender Craig Dawson, sending the ball past Sam Johnstone for the equaliser.
Schar, returning to the team after a three-match suspension, played a key role in the comeback. Shortly after, Barnes, who struggled with a foot injury last season, cut in from the left and unleashed a powerful strike to seal the win for Newcastle.
"When you're brought on with the team behind, as an attacking player, you have to try to change the game," Barnes said after the match. Pope’s late save from Matheus Cunha preserved Newcastle’s lead, securing their third win from four matches.
Reflecting on the loss, Lemina stated, "We need to change this losing mentality, get back to work, and start winning games." Wolves face Aston Villa away in their next league fixture on Saturday.