Hee-chan Hwang’s second-half goal helped Wolves offset a Callum Wilson brace in a 2-2 draw with Newcastle United at the Molineux on Saturday.
Mario Lemina scored Wolves’ other goal, as the hosts twice came back en route to a point that moves them into 12th with 12 points. Newcastle’s 17th point puts it sixth for the moment.
[ MORE: 10 key questions for Week 10 of the Premier League season ]
Newcastle and Wolves have now quite remarkably contested seven scoring draws in their last 10 Premier League meetings.
The Magpies had been playing great football but endured a rough week including a tough-luck 1-0 loss to Borussia Dortmund.
Newcastle was without Alexander Isak and Jacob Murphy after both picked up injuries against BVB, and will miss Sandro Tonali for 10 months after he was suspended for gambling offenses.
Rested Wolves too big an ask for weary Magpies
Wolves are decent team. Full stop. Gary O’Neil may make them better but it’s difficult to see them dropping far off these standards any time soon.
The Wolves project isn’t yet good enough to expect a comfortable win over Newcastle, even when the Magpies are coming from a Champions League affair with Dortmund while carrying a fresh batch of injuries.
Newcastle’s depth just isn’t here right now, especially given what’s ahead. In fact, Eddie Howe may need to rest key pieces against Manchester United at midweek or next weekend against Arsenal, prioritizing a trophy fight or top-four race at the moment.
With Elliot Anderson injured and Sandro Tonali suspended, the Magpies could not opt for a midfield sub late and that might’ve swung things. Wolves, too, could not afford to deviate from their plan.
As the late rains came, a fitting draw came from this slugfest that featured 28 total fouls.
Pedro Neto injury update
Neto leads the league in assists following his corner kick service to Mario Lemina, but he may not be able to add to it for a while.
The Spaniard was driving the right side when he pulled up, clutching his hamstring. He spent a long time being treated on the turf and it was clear he could not continue in the match.
If Neto’s missing for any long period of time, O’Neil’s Wolves’ resurgence could stall for a bit. Wolves have good attackers on the bench, but Neto was operating at an all-world level.
What’s next?
Newcastle has a brutal run ahead beginning with a Wednesday trip to Manchester United in the League Cup’s Round of 16. Then comes Arsenal, Dortmund, Bournemouth, Chelsea, PSG, and Man United again.
Wolves are off to winless Sheffield United at 11am ET Saturday, Nov. 4.
Wolves vs Newcastle final score: 2-2
Goal: Wilson (21', 45+4'), Lemina (36'), Hwang (71')
Wolves vs Newcastle player ratings
Wolves vs Newcastle player ratings (fotmob.com)
Wolves vs Newcastle player ratings (fotmob.com)
Hee-chan Hwang goal video: Tidy turn, finish levels the score
Oh, it’s a good finish and it was coming, wasn’t it?
Toti Gomes shows some nifty footwork on the right side, and he cuts a perfect pass to Hee-chang Hwang.
The South Korean takes the ball well and cuts around a defender to slot past Nick Pope, who will have wanted to find a way to stop it (still, a terrific finish).
We’re level at the Molineux.
Wolves vs Newcastle halftime analysis: 1-2
Wolves weathered the early storm, duties generally reserved for the visitors, and would’ve felt very well-positioned to grab three points until the controversial 45th minute penalty.
Callum Wilson’s penalty gives Newcastle the edge in shot attempts, 8-7, and Wolves have put four shots on target to Newcastle’s three but it’s Newcastle with the higher xG at 1.79 (to 0.33).
There have been 14 fouls in the game, which has seen Wolves find some love out wide but only keep hold of the ball for 40% of the half.
Callum Wilson penalty goal: Controversial call helps Magpies in front
Hee-chan Hwang whiffs on a clearance and... does he catch Fabian Schar’s boot?
Anthony Taylor called it a penalty on the field and review is very complicated as it’s unclear whether there’s contact at all.
It’s safe to say that Schar won the penalty kick, because this confirmation is anything but — it just cannot be overturned as a clear and obvious error.
Callum Wilson’s penalty is only partially blocked by Jose Sa and the ball crosses the line for 2-1.
Mario Lemina goal: Set piece magic as Neto assists again
Pedro Neto’s alone atop the Premier League assist leaderboard for this season.
The ball is swept in from the right side, soaring over the majority of players to be met by Mario Lemina.
The ex-Southampton man rises high after losing Kieran Trippier and thunders home a header for 1-1.
Callum Wilson goal: Plucky overhead goal
Yes, an overhead goal can be plucky.
Newcastle sweeps a ball into the mix and Jose Sa has to leap over Sean Longstaff to catch it.
He doesn’t.
Callum Wilson is nearby and digs the ball out before having a shot blocked that sees the orb pop into the air.
The striker adjusts his body and snaps the ball into the goal. Few players are as comfortable near the box as Wilson.
How to watch Wolves vs Newcastle live, stream link, time
Kickoff: 12:30pm ET, Saturday (Oct. 28)
TV channel: NBC
Online: Stream live on NBCSports.com & Premier League on Peacock
Wolves lineup
✌️ changes from #BOUWOL
— Wolves (@Wolves) October 28, 2023
🔙 Semedo and Lemina return
🇲🇱 Traore starts
How we line-up to face @NUFC.
🐺📋 @AstroPay_OK pic.twitter.com/zxlpUuvaGN
Newcastle lineup
HOWAY NEWCASTLE! 💪#WOLNEW pic.twitter.com/Q9O2PhYlDT
— Newcastle United FC (@NUFC) October 28, 2023
Focus on Wolves
OUT: Hugo Bueno (hamstring) | QUESTIONABLE: Jean-Ricner Bellegarde (muscular)
Focus on Newcastle
OUT: Harvey Barnes (foot), Sandro Tonali (suspension), Alexander Isak (groin) | QUESTIONABLE: Callum Wilson (hamstring), Lewis Miley (illness), Elliot Anderson (back), Jacob Murphy (shoulder)
