OPINION
Newcastle United hosted Wolves at St James Park on Sunday aiming to get their fourth league win of the season but instead suffered a loss.
The Magpies fell behind in the 17th minute of the match when Diogo Jota got on the scoresheet but Ayoze Perez popped up with the equaliser shortly after.
However the Magpies’ desire for all three points against Wolves took a blow early in the second half when DeAndre Yedlin got sent-off for a foul on Jota.
Rafa Benitez’s 10 men tried their hardest to hold onto to a draw but Matt Doherty scored in stoppage time to see Wolves win the game 2-1.
Nothing But Newcastle has delivered ratings for all the Magpies players after their performances against Wolves with woeful duo scoring 4/10 while their teammate shines in 8/10.
Goalkeeper and defence
Martin Dubravka – 7.5 – Not much he could to do to stop Wolves’ opener. Made a vital save when it was 1-1. Made another great save after his side had to absorb pressure due to Yedlin getting sent-off. Was unlucky to conceded two goals.
DeAndre Yedlin – 5 – Got just enough on the ball to stop Adama Traore having a clear shot at goal in the first five minutes. Has to take some of the blame for leaving his man in clear space ahead of Jota putting Wolves ahead. Got exposed in the second half and panicked and this resulted in him getting sent-off after pulling Jota back when he was through on goal. Yedlin has had better days at the office.
Jamaal Lascelles – 4 – Had a mix up with Yedlin which contributed to the first goal. Lascelles wasn’t the most reassuring presence at the back in the first half. Did not seem comfortable throughout the game and was just woeful in terms of the way he offered his side very little.
Federico Fernandez – 6 – Was solid and not caught out during the first-half but was hooked at half-time.
Ciaran Clark – 6 – Dealt with the threat of Traore very well in the first-half, defied expectations really. Made an awful attempt of a cross in first minutes of second-half which says all you need to know. However battled away.
Matt Ritchie – 6 – Worked hard in a very unfamiliar role of a left-wing back, but seemed wasted in that position despite his efforts.
Midfield
Sung-Yeung Ki – 7 – Looked comfortable on the ball and had a lot of space to operate in during the first 45 minutes. The midfielder is a reassuring presence in the heart of the team. Beautiful pass to play Atsu through on goal.
Mohamed Diame – 4 – Carved out a very early chance for Salomon Rondon in the opening minute then faded away to the point that you forgot he was playing. Clumsy when in possession and just woeful.
Christian Atsu – 7 – Showed a few glimpses of how easily he can create space for himself using his pace in opening stages of the match. Looked lively throughout the game and while not everything worked out for him, should be commended for his efforts.
Attack
Ayoze Perez – 7 – Grabbed the equaliser with his head after Rondon gifted him a chance to make it 1-1. Looked like an energetic presence and kept getting into the pocket of spaces which Wolves kept leaving.
Salomon Rondon – 8 – Looked lively soon as the opening whistle blew. Hit the crossbar with his effort from a free-kick and this lead to the Magpies getting the equaliser. Rondon had a quiet second half in terms of goalscoring opportunities but it was backs to the wall for his side as soon as Yedlin got his marching orders.
Substitutes
Javier Manquillo on for Fernandez (45) – 5 – Didn’t overly put a foot wrong.
Joselu on for Rondon (85) –N/A
Kenedy on for Atsu (88) – N/A
