Newcastle United halted the run of three straight defeats with a combative display and a tight win over Wolverhampton on Friday night.St. James’ Park was rocking as the black and whites looked mean and composed, like a pack of wolves circling around their prey. This time, it was a Chris Wood goal from the penalty spot some 20 minutes from time that earned Newcastle the points.Newcastle 1-0 Wolves FT:⚽️ WoodChris Wood’s first goal at St James’ Park seals three points for the Magpies. pic.twitter.com/xqhqXtTomS— Squawka News (@SquawkaNews) April 8, 2022 The Magpies thought they took the lead in the first half after a sublime Miguel Almiron backheel gave Bruno Guimaraes the chance to square for Wood to score. However, VAR review showed that Bruno was just offside and the goal didn’t stand.Wolves didn’t have a touch in Newcastle’s box in the opening 45 minutes, the first time they have failed to have a touch in the opposition’s box in the first half of a Premier League game this season. It was bad timing for Bruno Lage’s team.Once again, Newcastle’s French winger Allan Saint-Maximin was the key figure on the pitch, starting many attacking moves and making life difficult for the opponent. One of his classy moves allowed Newcastle to mount a deadly counter-attack. Brazilian Joelington escaped through the middle and slotted a well-timed pass for Wood. The New Zealand international rounded Wolves’ goalkeeper Jose Sa, but the Portuguese brought the big striker down and there was only one outcome – a penalty to the home team.Wood placed the ball on the spot and hit an unstoppable penalty to give his team a well-deserved lead against the team that’s previously conceded just 27 goals in 31 games. It was no less than Eddie Howe’s side deserved.There was no coming back for Lage’s off-colour Wolves, who took a big blow in their run for European qualification.PREMIER LEAGUE – ROUND 32FridayNewcastle United – Wolverhampton Wanderers 1-0 (0-0)/Wood 72 pen/Saturday14:30: (5.40) Everton (3.70) Man.Utd. (1.75)17:00: (1.65) Arsenal (3.80) Brighton (6.25)17:00: (4.10) Southampton (3.50) Chelsea (2.00)17:00: (2.85) Watford (3.35) Leeds (2.65)19:30: (3.50) Aston Villa (3.50) Tottenham (2.20)Sunday16:00: (3.00) Brentford (3.20) West Ham (2.60)16:00: (2.40) Leicester (3.35) Crystal Palace (3.20)16:00: (3.00) Norwich (3.05) Burnley (2.75)18:30: (2.15) Man.City (3.50) Liverpool (3.60)***odds are subject to change***
