Newcastle 2-1 Wolves: Sub Miguel Almiron scores winning goal but VAR controversy sees Nick Pope escape red card

Miguel Almiron’s goal 11 minutes from time boosted Newcastle’s Champions League hopes as the Magpies got back to winning ways via a 2-1 win over Wolves.

Going into this game, nine out of the last 15 meetings between these two teams had ended in a 1-1 draw and it looked to be heading in that direction once more after Wolves substitute Hee-Chan Hwang cancelled out Alexander Isak’s first-half opener with 20 minutes to go.

But, with Wolves hanging on for a point, substitute Almiron – dropped by Eddie Howe alongside Callum Wilson – played a slick one-two with Joe Willock before curling a shot into the far corner.

There was VAR controversy before that, however, as Nick Pope was reprieved of a potential penalty and red card after a collision with Raul Jimenez in the first half.

Referee Andy Madley and VAR Tony Harrington opted not to send Pope off and give a spot-kick, with the Newcastle goalkeeper making several key saves to keep out the visitors during the rest of the game.

How the subs took over at St James’

Both sides had struggled for goals going into this game but they started confidently, despite creating no clear-cut chances in a frantic opening 20 minutes.

Pope punched away Joao Moutinho’s free-kick before Kieran Trippier put his own set-piece from the edge of the box straight into the Wolves wall.

Then came the moment of controversy. Pope took Dan Burn’s back pass a little too confidently, taking a heavy touch which allowed Jimenez to nip in ahead of him and stride towards goal.

As the Wolves striker looked to move past the Newcastle goalkeeper, there was a tangling of legs but referee Madley waved away the penalty claims from the visitors. VAR noted there was no clear and obvious error with the official’s decision.

Six minutes later, Newcastle edged in front – adding to Wolves’ woes. Trippier’s free-kick delivery from the wide right picked out Isak at the front post and the Swedish striker found the far corner with a superb glancing header.

Wolves, likely wounded from the alleged injustice, struggled to keep up with the high-flying Magpies. Willock prodded wide just seconds after Isak’s opener, before Bruno Guimaraes struck the crossbar from close range after Burn pulled back Trippier’s deep corner.

Almost in the next attack, Wolves hit the woodwork themselves, with Daniel Podence cutting inside from the left and striking Pope’s near post with a rasping drive.

Wolves were much improved after the break, with Ruben Neves firing over from distance – before half-time substitute Pedro Neto stung Pope’s palms with a fizzing shot from a free-kick.

Trippier saw another free-kick kept out by Jose Sa, while Neves blazed over from inside the area when the ball sat up nicely for him at the other end.

Wolves manager Julen Lopetegui made a triple change, which included the introduction of Hwang and 57 seconds later, he found the net.

The South Korean forward burst through into the Newcastle box and while Trippier looked to clear from the feet of Jimenez, the right-back slipped over with Pope also looking for the ball. Hwang had the simple task of tapping home into an empty net.

But Almiron – who came on shortly after Hwang – would have the last laugh as his quick interchange with Willock saw him enter the right-hand side of the box with a clear sight of goal. As soon as the strike left his boot, there were none in St James’ Park who did not expect the net to bulge.

There could have been a third late in the game as Sven Botman blazed over from close range after Almiron’s mazy run. But a third goal was not necessary as Newcastle returned to winning ways after three successive 2-0 defeats.

Redknapp: VAR made big mistake in Pope incident

Sky Sports’ Jamie Redknapp:

“Have Newcastle got away with one? Absolutely. Pope is incredibly lucky.

“I cannot believe they’ve not sent Andy Madley to the monitor. Pope takes him out with his right shoulder – he bodychecks him.

“It’s no doubt it’s a foul. And because he’s not trying to play the ball it would be a penalty, a red card and a ban for him. That’s how important this decision was.

“That’s such an important moment in this game that needs a bit of time at the VAR monitor. What a big mistake.”

What’s next?

Friday 17th March 7:00pm


Kick off 8:00pm

Newcastle have a five-day wait for their next game: a Friday Night Football match away at Nottingham Forest, live on Sky Sports with kick-off at 8pm.

Four out of Wolves‘ next five games are against the teams around them, starting with a home match against Leeds on Saturday, kick-off 3pm.