Newcastle United vs Wolverhampton Wanderers – Football Match Report – 12th March 2023

Miguel Almiron came off the bench to secure a 2-1 win for Newcastle United over Wolverhampton Wanderers and move them to fifth place in the Premier League on Sunday.

Left out of the starting XI by coach Eddie Howe, Almiron got his chance in the 68th minute and made a mark 11 minutes later with a superbly scored goal to boost Newcastle’s top-four hopes.

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Record signing Alexander Isak had given Newcastle the lead after 26 minutes with a powerful header, although the hosts were perhaps lucky not to be reduced to 10 men after goalkeeper Nick Pope had earlier defeated Raul Jimenez in the box.

To add to the Wolves’ frustration, Pope made several high-profile saves and Daniel Podence shot the post.

But the visitors equalized when Kieran Trippier slipped trying to clear the ball and gave substitute Hwang Hee-chan the easiest finish in the 70th minute.

Newcastle held on to their first league win in six league games to overtake Liverpool on 44 points from 25 games – four behind Tottenham Hotspur with two games in hand.

Wolves remain in 13th place, three points above the relegation zone.

Paraguayan international Almiron couldn’t stop shooting earlier in the season but goals have dried up lately. However, he regained form with a curled finish after being played through on a pass by Joe Willock.

Chosen over another out-of-form Newcastle striker in Callum Wilson, Izak at times led Wolves in a relentless performance and was rewarded with the big money with his fourth goal in nine league games since joining from Real Sociedad.

“I wanted to play more but it gave me a bit of fuel and I’m happy to start today and take three points,” said Izak, who scored beautifully with a Trippier cross.

“I had to be patient, but I worked hard. I was happy to have him [Trippier] as my assistant today. It was a great delivery and a good header too.”

Trippier’s unfortunate slip appeared to have cost his side the points, but Almiron’s 11th goal of the season spared his team-mate’s blush.

However, Wolves will feel they should have received an early penalty and played against 10 men.

Pope touched the ball awkwardly and Jimenez snapped it off but was then deflected with a shoulder by the keeper.

Surprisingly, however, referee Andy Madley did not respond.