Clinton Morrison picks out moment vs Wolves which shows ‘why Newcastle were desperate to sign Marc Guehi’

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Newcastle United maintained their unbeaten start to the season with a 2-1 win over Wolves in the Premier League.

It was not pretty for the Magpies, but Eddie Howe‘s side got the job done after coming from a goal down to pick up three points at Molineux.

The international break looked like it took a toll on Newcastle United with several players misplacing passes and looking leggy in the first half.

The hosts took advantage and deservedly took the lead in the first half through Mario Lemina after he connected with Jorgen Strand Larsen’s low cross.

Dan Burn was caught out for the goal and was beaten by Larsen out wide after getting too tight to the Wolves forward.

Second-half goals from Fabian Schar and Harvey Barnes rescued three points for Newcastle, but Burn’s defending was a concern.

This is why Newcastle wanted to sign Marc Guehi

Newcastle’s summer window turned out to be a disaster after the club missed out on all of their top targets.

Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi was at the top of the shopping list but sporting director Paul Mitchell failed to get a deal over the line despite multiple bids.

Newcastle failed to land a top-class centre-back signing over the summer and pundit Clinton Morrison believes Burn’s role for the Wolves goal showed exactly why Marc Guehi was a top target.

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live [5:12pm], Morrison said: “This is why Newcastle were desperate to get Marc Guehi in, because he has got that pace at the back.

“Dan Burn is a good defender but he lacks pace.”

Wolves goal exposed Newcastle United’s weaknesses

Newcastle play some of their best football when they can press on the front foot and rush teams into mistakes.

But doing that requires the defence to push up and play a high line – that is where the problem lies.

READ MORE: Newcastle United player ratings vs Wolves, Fabian Schar scores on return but 2/10 is awful

Burn is simply not quick enough to play a high line without getting repeatedly caught in behind. Larsen isn’t particularly quick and he still got the better of him.

A new centre-back remains a top priority in January – and if Guehi is still not available then Mitchell and Co. need to look elsewhere and get a deal over the line.