Lemina goal opens scoring after Gordon hits post

Mario Lemina’s third goal in nine Premier League appearances against Newcastle opened the scoring as Wolves took the lead for the first time this season at Molineux on Sunday.

Joao Gomes stepped over Jorgen Strand Larsen’s low cross as part of a lightning Wolves break, allowing the ball to roll to the unmarked Lemina to slot in from close range in the 36th minute.

Winger Anthony Gordon had earlier hit the far post for the visitors with a curling shot from just outside the penalty area on the left.

The perfect counter-attack from Wolves 👏

That dummy 🤤 pic.twitter.com/kQTKVKduBc

— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) September 15, 2024

Newcastle ‘sloppy’ vs Wolves

Ex-Liverpool stalwart Jamie Carragher said Wolves manager Gary O’Neil’s gameplan had “worked a treat” during the first 35 minutes.

“That is counter-attacking at its best,” Carragher told Sky Sports. “It’s sloppy from Newcastle, who have let themselves down, but the dummy from Gomes is absolutely fantastic.”

Another former England international, Paul Merson, called Gomes’ stepover “unbelievable”, adding: “If Messi did that, we would be going mad.”

Newcastle had been unbeaten in their first three league games, earning a second win with a 2-1 victory at home to Tottenham before the international break.

“I’d settle for being in a dance-off with him!” 😆🕺

Strictly Come Dancing contestant Paul Merson rates Mario Lemina’s dancing among the celebrations for Wolves’ first goal against Newcastle! pic.twitter.com/XrmFMtV55J

— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) September 15, 2024

Wolves vs Newcastle: Isak off

Wolves were yet to win this season, losing 2-0 at Arsenal in their opener and 6-2 at home to Chelsea before drawing 1-1 at Nottingham Forest.

Magpies manager Eddie Howe responded by making a triple substitution at half-time of a fixture his side had not lost in five meetings.

Midfielders Sandro Tonali and Harvey Barnes and forward Joe Willock came on, with Alexander Isak, Joelinton and Sean Longstaff making way.

Striker Isak’s replacement was a forced change after the Sweden international suffered a nose injury at the end of the first half.

Newcastle had not won any of their previous three matches in which they had conceded first but had the chance to move third by changing that pattern.