Chris Waddle lauded Miguel Almiron on BBC Radio 5 Live for the Newcastle United star’s ‘great skill’ as Chris Wood scored against Wolves, before an offside call ruled the goal out.
Wood thought he broke the deadlock for his first St James’ Park strike after 23 minutes on Friday night. The 30-year-old entered the encounter without converting in his prior four at home, since joining the Magpies for £25m in January through his release clause at Burnley.
He had also only scored in black-and-white at Southampton across the New Zealand star’s previous 11 Premier League Toon appearances. But Wood put the ball over the line early against Wolves, following Bruno Guimaraes latching onto Almiron’s audacious backheel.
An injury for Ryan Fraser forced Eddie Howe into introducing Almiron just 13 minutes into the Molineux natives’ Tyneside visit. And Almiron did not wait long to show the boss why he should have started, flicking the ball onto Guimaraes who crossed for Wood to score.
Wood did well to net having hit the deck before extending a leg and somehow turning the ball home. But VAR Jarred Gillett then saved Wolves’ blushes after spotting Guimaraes was fractionally offside in the build-up. But Wood would ultimately have the last laugh, though.
The striker ensured Jose Sa collected his leg to earn a late penalty for the would-be winner over Bruno Lage’s side. Gillett was again involved in the decision, after reviewing the tackle to determine if Wood made the contact and then judging if he was offside in the build-up.
Chris Waddle in awe of Newcastle star Miguel Almiron’s ‘great skill’ vs Wolves
Almiron left Waddle in awe with his flick to free Guimaraes before Gillett ruled Wood’s hit against Wolves out for Newcastle’s £41.5m January signing from Lyon being offside first.
Waddle also lamented the offside call, as a slow start from Wolves left the former England star longing for a bigger challenge. Fabio Silva was particularly quiet leading their attack.
“It was great skill by Almiron,” Waddle exclaimed. “We could have done with that going in. It may liven Wolves up.”
Almiron will hope his efforts against Wolves now return more chances to secure a future at Newcastle under Howe. The £21m former club-record signing from Atlanta United faces an uncertain future this summer, with the Mirror reporting a £10m asking price for Almiron.
Also, TEAMtalk report Almiron is one of seven players that Newcastle have put up for sale. The 28-year-old has only started five of his now 13 Premier League matches with Howe in the dugout. He is also yet to offer a single assist or score under the ex-Bournemouth boss.