Wolves player ratings vs Newcastle: One standout 8/10 but one 'terrible' 4/10 in collapse

Mario Lemina’s first-half tap-in looked to be enough to seal a first win of the new Premier League season for Wolves, but a deflected strike from Fabian Schar and a Harvey Barnes wonder goal completed an impressive comeback for Newcastle.

The Old Gold took a while to get into their groove but were able to craft just as many - if not more - opportunities than their opponents in the first hour of the clash. Wolves displayed better efficiency with the ball and showed a marked improvement defensively from the 6-2 defeat to Chelsea a few weeks ago, but fatigue and lapses of concentration set in late on, allowing the visitors to turn the tie on its head within the final 15 minutes.

Newcastle had the first big chance of the encounter as Anthony Gordon nearly scored a beautiful solo goal about midway through the first period. The England international skipped past Nelson Semedo and Yerson Mosquera before curling a terrific effort toward the far corner, but the shot glanced off the outside of the post.

Wolves struck first, though, as captain Lemina thrashed home from close range to roar Molineux into life. Jorgen Strand Larsen shrugged off Dan Burn on the right flank and drilled a terrific low cross into the area. A clever dummy from Joao Gomes completely fooled Fabian Schar and allowed Lemina, who had made a brilliant late run into the box, to convert for a one-nil advantage.

Lemina had a glorious chance to score again just before the break as his attempted through ball rebounded straight back to him on the edge of the area, but he was off balance and scuffed his attempt well wide.

Eddie Howe was bold to make three substitutions at the break, taking off Alexander Isak, Joelinton and Sean Longstaff for Barnes, Joe Willock and Sandro Tonali. The Magpies certainly looked more energetic as a result and twice went close within just a few minutes of the restart. Bruno Guimaraes’ long-range curler was turned away by Johnstone and then Schar saw a half-volley fizz narrowly over the bar.

Strand Larsen was desperately unlucky not to double Wolves’ lead in the 53rd minute as he took a Lemina through pass into his stride and smashed the ball off the near post. The striker had another great chance just after the hour mark, too, as he forced a diving stop from Nick Pope with a powerful low header. It was yet another perfect delivery from Lemina, whose curled cross was pin-point.

Newcastle made Wolves rue their missed chances as they equalised in the 76th minute, finally surpassing the previously resilient home defence. Wanderers didn’t sprint out quickly enough to press Schar, who ambitiously struck from around 25 yards and saw the ball deflect off the head of Craig Dawson and into the top left-hand corner.

The Magpies then stunned Molineux as substitute Barnes dramatically gave his side a 2-1 lead, whipping a beauty into the far top corner. Johnstone had absolutely no chance as the ball was struck with such velocity and couldn’t have been much further in the side netting. Wolves right-back Matt Doherty should’ve done better as he was very weak up against Barnes, allowing him to break into space to take the shot.

Wanderers pushed on for a late equaliser deep into eight minutes of stoppage time - and Cunha forced a save from Pope with an acrobatic effort - but Newcastle, who nearly made it 3-1 through Barnes with the last kick of the game, dug in to hold on for all three points. It’s another disappointing home result for O’Neil’s men, despite such a positive showing for large chunks of the game.

Wolves player ratings vs Newcastle

Here’s how the home players rated out of 10.

Sam Johnstone - 6

Made a great fingertip save to deny Murphy early doors and denied a Bruno long-ranger just after half-time. Went to sleep twice early in the second half, though, nearly falling foul of Gordon’s press. Couldn’t do anything about either goal.

Nelson Semedo - 6 (off 77’)

Had mixed success with his one-v-ones up against Gordon, sometimes timing tackles right but occasionally well beaten on the turn. Did better in the attacking third, troubling Hall with runs on the overlap. Also managed one shot on target but it was weak and straight at Pope. Booked in a confrontation with Hall.

Yerson Mosquera - 7

Battled hard to jockey up against Gordon, Isak and Barnes, rarely beaten by any of them. Made several vital interceptions throughout and earned huge roars from Molineux with some crunching sliding tackles. Not a defender at fault.

Craig Dawson - 6

Unlucky to see Schar’s strike glance off his head and into the net. Brave and powerful in the challenge for much of the game but tired near the end.

Rayan Ait-Nouri - 7 (off 86’)

Displayed a big improvement defensively compared to the 6-2 defeat to Chelsea just a few weeks ago. Slid in to make two or three important tackles and tracked Murphy’s runs well. Also threatened occasionally on the counter with some powerful deliveries into the area.

Andre - 7 (off 77’)

Sat deep just in front of the two centre-halves and wasn’t fazed by the relentless Newcastle press whatsoever. Threaded a few really nice passes through tight gaps to kick-start attacks.

Joao Gomes - 7

Started the move for Lemina’s opener and performed the clever dummy to allow the captain to fire in at the far post. Battled hard to chop in and win back possession on several occasions. Effective on the half-turn to escape the press.

Mario Lemina - 8

Scored the opening goal after making a late run into the box. Deserved it as he ran his socks off as the most advanced of Wolves’ midfield three. Set up Strand Larsen for the post hit and again for the header that nearly squeezed past Pope. Should’ve done better for Schar’s goal, however, as he didn’t press the defender quickly enough.

Jean-Ricner Bellegarde - 6 (off 70’)

Forced a little deep at times as he marked opposition wing-back Livramento. Enjoyed one great driving run in the first half but missed the target at the end of it. Won several fouls to take the pressure off his team.

Matheus Cunha - 7

Wolves’ driving force on the counter with direct and positive runs, even if not always successful. Won several corners and free-kicks when he pressed high up the field. Swung in lots of dangerous set pieces.

Jorgen Strand Larsen - 7 (off 86’)

Assisted Lemina’s goal with a great driven cross after beating Burn for both pace and strength. Unlucky not to score himself as he struck the post early in the second period. Sometimes let down by poor first touches, especially in the first half.

Subs:

Matt Doherty - 4 (on 77’)

Let his team down as he was terrible with hardly any challenge up against Barnes, allowing the winger the space to shoot and score the winner.

Hee-Chan Hwang (on 70’), Tommy Doyle (on 77’), Carlos Forbs and Goncalo Guedes (on 86’) - N/A