Only three more touches than Darlow: Almiron struggles against Wolves

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Newcastle United failed to end their winless start to the new campaign after losing 2-1 to Wolverhampton Wanderers at Molineux.

The Magpies had cancelled out a Hwang Hee-chan strike thanks to Jeff Hendrick, but the South Korean struck again in the second half to clinch all three points for Bruno Lage’s team.

Allan Saint-Maximin was expectedly at the heart of Newcastle’s attacks, but beyond the September player of the month nominee, Steve Bruce’s side yet again lacked inspiration.

This didn’t help when £25m signing (Sky Sports) Joe Willock had to be replaced in the 36th minute.

It meant that Newcastle really needed Miguel Almiron to step up, but the Paraguayan failed to impose himself on the match.

Tough day for Almiron

The 27-year-old was on the periphery of the game and struggled to get on the ball and make things happen for his team.

Playing in front of Javier Manquillo, Almiron was nullified by Wolves’ wing-back Marcal.

Newcastle’s number 24 was brought off by Bruce in the 76th minute for Dwight Gayle in what was a difficult day at the office for the former Atalanta United player.

Despite playing the majority of the match, Almiron managed 29 touches, which was only three more than his goalkeeper Karl Darlow (26).

For context, Jacob Murphy came on with 20 minutes remaining and amassed 26 touches during that period.

But Darlow did complete more passes (21) than Almiron (19) on what was a chastening afternoon for the Paraguay international.

The defeat to Wolves was the second lowest amount of passes Almiron has completed this season after the 14 he registered in the 1-1 draw against Leeds United when he was replaced after 62 minutes.

The clash at Molineux was also just the second game that Almiron had failed to create a chance for a teammate in the Premier League this season. The other instance came in the 2-2 draw to Southampton at St. James’ Park.

The £21.6m signing (Transfermarkt) has not registered a goalscoring contribution since his brace against Southampton in February.

Bruce needs Almiron to step up to the plate, and there will be no better moment to start producing than against Tottenham Hotspur after the international break in what will be his 100th appearance for the club (Transfermarkt).