Newcastle United secured their first win of the season with a 1-0 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers at St James’ Park.
Finally, this was the performance fans had been hoping for. Eddie Howe’s side looked like one that is ready for the big test against Barcelona on Thursday night.
Nick Woltemade’s first-half goal was enough to seal the deal for Newcastle United, but several players impressed back on home soil.
It is an important three points for the Magpies, as they move themselves further up the Premier League table and give them a major confidence boost ahead of a very busy schedule.
With Newcastle getting a win on the board, here is how the players performed against Wolves.
Nick Pope – 8
Called into action right from the very start, making two fine stops with less than a minute on the clock. Nick Pope kept his third clean sheet in four Premier League games this season.
Kieran Trippier – 6.5
A sluggish start from Kieran Trippier, who was clearly struggling with the pace of Wolves’ full-backs, but eventually got back into things before the first goal.
It feels as if it is only a matter of time before Trippier is demoted back to the bench.
Fabian Schar – 7
A brilliant goal-saving intervention in the first half to deny Arokodare. The 33-year-old continues to keep the likes of Sven Botman and Malick Thiaw at bay with his impressive performances.
Dan Burn – 7
Back from England duty, Dan Burn was menacing as ever for the Magpies. Whether it was putting in a last-ditch challenge or frustrating Wolves defenders during a set piece, Burn was there to try and make a difference.
Burn and Woltemade often partnered up during corners to try and make things happen.
Tino Livramento – 8
Tino Livramento has evolved his game to become much more of a threat going forward. It is clear that working with Martin Mark has rubbed off on him, as he is now the Magpies’ dedicated long throw taker.
Was beaten by Hugo Bueno and Hwang Hee-Chang on a couple of occasions, but made up for it with a solid defensive performance.
Joelinton – 7
Back from injury and straight into the starting XI for Joelinton, who kept things calm after Newcastle’s early wobble.
Came off just a few minutes after the hour mark to applause from the St James’ Park crowd.
Sandro Tonali – 8
There are days when one wonders how on earth Newcastle managed to sign a player like Sandro Tonali. After his heroics on international duty, Tonali put in a simply magical performance at St James’ Park, playing a big part in proceedings on either side of the pitch.
Saw an effort ricochet off the post just before half-time.
Bruno Guimaraes – 8
Recovered from an early knock to get stuck into the game just a few days after playing at a high altitude in Bolivia.
Bruno Guimaraes put in a brave performance where he did not shy away from a challenge and did everything possible to give his side the upper hand.
Jacob Murphy – 8
Another lively showing from the 30-year-old, who is doing all he can to prove why he should be starting ahead of Anthony Elanga. Came agonisingly close when his effort from six yards out was saved by Sam Johnstone.
A great cross in for Woltemade to score, and he came close to finding the back of the net on a couple of occasions himself.
Nick Woltemade – 8.5
In from the start for his debut. Woltemade looked comfortable for the most part, using his stature to hold up the ball and allow his teammates to run in behind.
Rewarded for his hard work with a sensational header just before the half-hour mark.
The German came off to a standing ovation in the 65th minute.
Harvey Barnes – 6
It has been a big week for Harvey Barnes with the birth of his daughter, but unfortunately, his performance left a lot to be desired.
His showing was summed up when he tripped over the ball inside the penalty area just before the hour mark. One wonders whether Barnes would be in the starting XI if Anthony Gordon were not suspended.
Substitutes
Joe Willock – 6
Helped Newcastle in attack, but was unable to make the right impact in an important appearance for him.
William Osula – 6
Needed to impress following Woltemade’s goal. He looked lively enough, but his passing was woeful.
Anthony Elanga – 6
Had little time to make an impact.
Sven Botman – N/A
Saw added time out.
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