‘No chance’: Waddle hails Newcastle star Chris Wood for ‘great’ technique vs Wolves

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Chris Waddle hailed Chris Wood on BBC Radio 5 Live for his ‘great’ technique to score the penalty to beat Wolves as the Newcastle striker left Jose Sa with ‘no chance’ of saving it.

The Toon snapped a three-game Premier League losing streak to edge Bruno Lage’s men on Friday night. Wood struck the only goal of the match from 12-yards out on 72 minutes after luring Sa into a foul. He just beat the goalkeeper to the ball, and ensured the contact.

Wood knew Sa was rushing off his line to close down the angle after Joelinton slipped the £25m January signing in. But VAR Jarred Gillett reviewed the incident to ensure he was not going down before the contact, and was onside, and advised Peter Bankes to give the pen.

The spot-kick marked Wood’s first Newcastle goal at St James’ Park since joining in January from Burnley. The 30-year-old’s only prior Magpies strike in 11 previous Toon appearances came at Southampton. He hit the equaliser before Bruno Guimaraes’ spectacular winner.

Wood is now level with Fabian Schar, Ryan Fraser, Joelinton, Joe Willock, Jonjo Shelvey and Kieran Trippier as Newcastle’s third-best Premier League scorer after facing Wolves. Only Callum Wilson (6) and Allan Saint-Maximin (5) have scored more than two this term.

Waddle hails Newcastle’s Wood for giving Wolves’ Jose Sa ‘no chance’

Beating Wolves through Wood’s penalty lifts Newcastle up to 14th above Brentford ahead of the Saturday Premier League games. The Bees, meanwhile, host West Ham on Sunday, but will then have played one game more than Howe’s men with both now on 31 played.

Waddle initially took aim at Wood for buying the spot-kick that would ultimately return a win on Friday night. He sensed the striker sought the contact, rather than being fouled.

“I think Wood played for the penalty,” Waddle said. “He left his foot there.”

But while Waddle thought Wood bought the penalty, the Newcastle striker’s technique to score the decisive goal against Wolves from the spot impressed the former England star.

“Thoroughly deserved,” Waddle added. “What a great penalty by Wood. He had to wait a long time. Struck, straight down the middle, keeper no chance. On tonight’s performance, Newcastle deserve the lead.”