Newcastle United’s Premier League momentum was halted as they drew 0-0 away at a resurgent Wolves team on Sunday.
The Magpies went into the clash at Molineux on a run of three straight victories in league play, climbing back into the upper reaches of the table to challenge for European qualification.
However, they often looked toothless against a Wolves side that was protecting a three-game unbeaten streak of their own, taking five points during that time after managing just two points in their opening 19 games.
The hosts move on to eight points, but are still 14 adrift of safety with just 16 games remaining. The visitors, meanwhile, have slipped to eighth in the table this weekend, though they’re still only three points adrift of the top four.
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Yerson Mosquera leads resolute Wolves defence
Few players have embodied Wolves’ recent improvement more than Yerson Mosquera.
The Colombian defender put in heroic performances against Manchester United, West Ham and Everton to help the Old Gold to five points and just two goals conceded.
Mosquera was at it again here, thwarting Newcastle at every opportunity.
- Key stat: Wolves have kept two clean sheets in their last three Premier League matches, as many as they’d kept in their previous 27.
The former FC Cincinnati and Villarreal man may have lost all five of his aerial duels, but that was because he was up against the giant Nick Woltemade. Nevertheless, he was able to put the imposing German off his stride on almost every occasion, denying him any easy headers at goal.
What’s more, Mosquera won four of his six ground duels, while snuffing out Eddie Howe’s side with seven clearances, eight recoveries, two interceptions and two tackles.
Mosquera was calm on the ball and proved a nuisance from set-pieces, attempting two shots at the other end. But it was his defensive performance that really stood out, perfectly illustrating just how much Rob Edwards has improved this side.
Newcastle momentum halts again
It’s one step forward and two steps back once again in the Premier League for Newcastle.
Whether it was a hangover from their EFL Cup semi-final first leg defeat to Manchester City or mere fatigue, the Magpies just fell completely flat in the Midlands on Sunday.
Howe’s side attempted 11 shots at Molineux, but managed to get just two of them on target, despite dominating 67% possession and having 19 touches in the opposition box to Wolves’ 12.
Of course, much of this was down to the organisation of the hosts. However, you’d be kidding yourself if you didn’t admit this was a lacklustre Newcastle showing.
Nick Woltemade’s aim was off throughout, perfectly illustrated by him failing to connect with a perfect Harvey Barnes cross in the 14th minute. Anthony Gordon was non-existent for large spells, and substitutes like Anthony Elanga and Yoane Wissa failed to seriously change the game.
Bruno Guimaraes can hold his head highest — as is so often the case — after creating a match-high three chances and disrupting Wolves with three tackles. But even he was nowhere near his usual, illustrious best, slicing a considerable chance wide in the dying seconds.
- Key stat: Newcastle United have won just two of their 11 away Premier League matches this season.
Newcastle came into this one having won three straight league games for the first time since April. Given Wolves’ predicament, Howe will have absolutely been expecting nothing less than a win.
Instead, it was utter disappointment at Molineux in a result that leaves Newcastle still staring up the table, wondering how they’ll break into the Champions League spots.