It was another frustrating afternoon for Wolves fans as a spectacular late volley from Allan Saint-Maximin ensured a share of the spoils at Molineux.
Wolves had led since the 38th minute through a powerful long range effort from Ruben Neves. Raul Jimenez had the ball in the net in the second half, only for VAR to chalk it off due to a foul by Pedro Neto in the build up.
Bruno Lage’s men remain without a win in their last eleven league matches. The player ratings are below:
Jose Sa
There was absolutely nothing the Portuguese shot-stopper could have done to stop the equaliser. During the first half especially, Sa commanded his area brilliantly, claiming several dangerous crosses and free kicks. A smart low reflex save late-on was also much needed to deny Newcastle a winner in stoppage time. The only criticism of his display would be a couple of sloppy throws out that cost Wolves possession. 7.5
Nelson Semedo
Semedo put in an impressive all-round performance on his first league start since returning from injury, in which he continued where he left off. Semedo thwarted several counter attacks and generally handled the dangerous Saint-Maximin with relative comfort. 8
Nathan Collins
It was a commanding display from the new signing for the most part, winning several crucial headers during the second half. His distribution will no doubt improve in this system, but a couple of loose touches could have been punished. Overall however, he can be fairly pleased with how Collins has started his Wolves career. 8
Max Kilman
It was a regular day at the office for Kilman, who continues to shine. As ever he made things look easy, dealing with any threats with his accustomed calmness and quality. He certainly did not deserve to lose a clean sheet at the death. 8
Jonny
This was undoubtedly the best performance of the season to date for Jonny, who rarely put a foot wrong. Like Semedo, he defended astutely and was never caught out of position. One would assume that these two fullbacks will keep their spots in the team for the foreseeable future. 7
Ruben Neves
Perhaps the most frustrating part of the result is that it overshadows what should have been the main headline: just how special the captain’s performance was. From very early on Neves was Wolves’ main creative outlet, and he was consistently flying into challenges and mopping up second balls when Wolves did not have possession. He also added to his long catalogue of wonder goals. It is no exaggeration to say that he was the best player on the pitch by some distance. 9
Joao Moutinho
It was a standard display from Moutinho, who recycled possession well and he made several inviting balls into the box throughout the first half. However, his influence waned as the game went on. Several players in Wolves’ relatively disjointed attack could learn a lot from his quick decision making and his ability to release the ball quickly. 6.5
Matheus Nunes
The club’s record signing certainly showed promise, illustrating the energy, strength and speed that Wolves have been lacking at times in recent seasons. However, a few poor through balls in the second half may been indicative of a tiredness that led to his authority in midfield diminishing in the final half hour. 6
Pedro Neto
It was not the easiest afternoon for the 22 year old, whose touch was missing at times and he did not take on players with his normal levels of confidence. Perhaps more than anyone else he needs a goal to really get going this season. 5
Goncalo Guedes
Guedes can be happy with his performance against Newcastle, in which is work rate and tracking back was admirable. He was involved in most of Wolves’ attacks and he claimed his first assist in old gold. Better understanding between him and his teammates will surely come with more hours on the training pitch. 7
Raul Jimenez
The Wolves number nine was a far cry from his best, and seemed ponderous at times, albeit through no lack of effort. He was unlucky to have a goal ruled out through no fault of his own, however. 5
Subs:
Hwang Hee Chan
Some of the criticism of Hwang has been over the top, but the Korean’s miscued clearance did directly set up the volley for the equaliser whichever way you look at it. However unlucky this was, it was not the impact Bruno Lage would have hoped Hwang would have after opting to bring him on instead of Adama Traore. 3
Daniel Podence
Podence came on in the 83rd minute and did not get a chance to make an impact, with Wolves out of possession for most of this period. 5
Leander Dendoncker
The Belgian replaced Moutinho in the dying seconds to help defend a set piece. N/A