Newcastle’s run of form continued as they made it six consecutive Premier League wins and their ninth in all competitions. This latest victory elevated Eddie Howe’s team to fourth in the table, and once again, Alexander Isak proved why Howe rates him as one of the best strikers in the world at this moment.
Isak’s Brilliance Continues with 16th and 17th Goals
Isak’s double on the night, raising his tally to 16 and 17 goals this season, marked a turning point in pushing Wolves into the relegation zone. His performance also left Wolves with a danger of relegation besides showing his sharpness in a season where he has delivered for Newcastle consistently. Some attacking flair displayed by Vitor Pereira’s Wolves could not contain Isak’s brilliance and left them hovering just above the relegation spots.
Wolves’ Early Threats and Frustrations with Refereeing
Despite the early tentativeness from Isak, with one attempt mere inches from the post, Wolves did command a few hairy moments. Gonçalo Guedes could have given his team an early goal, shooting wide from a Hwang Hee Chan cross that was deflected. The visitors started the game confidently but frustration kicked in shortly afterwards as Dan Burn escaped punishment for grappling with Guedes and with officials ignoring something that left unrest on the Wolves bench.
Isak’s Lucky Opening Goal
Fortune smiled at Isak at the 34th minute, as the speculative shot at the edge of the area bounced heavily off goalkeeper José Sá, wrongfooting him. This gave the lead to Newcastle. It has been Isak’s 16th in just 23 matches, and alongside Jamie Vardy, Ruud van Nistelrooy, and Daniel Sturridge, he is the only fourth one to have done so in a sequence of eight in the Premier League.
Wolves’ Counter-Attacking Menace
Although Wolves fell behind, they showed plenty of promise going forward. In the attack, Jørgen Strand Larsen almost levelled, scoring from a cross from Rodrigo Gomes by striking the post. It was clear that visitors posed a danger going forward, especially after being given more space and time in the form of Matheus Cunha, who came in free from suspension to make a big difference for the attack, yet the home team couldn’t finish.
Isak’s second goal and Gordon’s strike ensure a win
As the second half unfolded, Isak made it 2-0 with his 12th goal in his last 10 appearances. A superb pass from Bruno Guimarães split the Wolves defense, and Isak’s quick turn and finish past Sá demonstrated his clinical ability. Shortly after, Isak turned provider, delivering a cross for Anthony Gordon to strike first-time and extend Newcastle’s lead, effectively sealing the match.
Wolves’ Late Disappointment and Newcastle’s Dominance
By now, frustrations for Wolves were on the rise, as they saw another goal ruled out thanks to a late VAR review indicating a handball in the building play. Newcastle’s supremacy in the game only proved that they are rising to the top tier of the Premier League, with Howe’s team impressing in their attacking style and Isak’s fine form.
