Miguel Almiron came off the Newcastle United bench to score the winner for the home side as the Magpies saw off the Wolves from St James’ Park.
Newcastle had taken the lead in the first-half through Alexander Isak’s brilliantly placed 12-yard header only for it to be cancelled out by substitute Hwang Hee-Chan after an unfortunate slip by captain Kieran Trippier. However, Newcastle had a super-sub of their own and Almiron sprung off the bench to link up with Joe Willock for a great one-two into the area where Miggy would stroke the ball home.
Speaking to NUFC TV after the game, Isak declared that he was happy for Almiron, saying: “I think in many games now we’ve made an impact with the players that have come on but not made that difference to score to win the games, so it was really nice to see from Miggy today to seal the deal.”
Howe mixed things up with Almiron on the bench and Isak starting
It was interesting to see the role reversal here as it’s usually Almiron starting and Isak being used as a super-sub. Perhaps Eddie Howe has unlocked something with this new approach?
As Isak said, Newcastle hadn’t had much luck in front of goal before Sunday and the substitutions made by Howe in previous games haven’t managed to work in the way he’d have hoped.
While it may have seemed odd that the £21million forward would be dropped in favour of Jacob Murphy, it’s a gamble that truly paid off. Not only was it Almiron’s fresh legs that gave us the ability to unlock that Wolves defence and grab the winner, but Murphy, having that buzz of starting, actually had a fantastic game.
Howe kept Wolves guessing
Having a right-footed winger on the right flank really worked in those opening minutes as Murphy put in some dangerous crosses before switching flanks with Allan Saint-Maximin to keep Wolves on their toes.
Then just as Wolves were feeling their way into the game, on came Almiron to add another dimension to Newcastle’s attack.
Whether or not Howe sticks with this team for Friday remains to be seen, but he’s certainly given himself a lot to think about going into the match with Nottingham Forest.