Newcastle came crashing back down to earth as they were beaten 2-0 by Wolves.
Newcastle’s run of five straight wins came to an end as they were beaten 2-0 by Walter Zenga’s Wolves side. The away team took the lead after 29 minutes via a Chancel Mbemba own goal, and wrapped up victory in the 62nd minute thanks to Wander Helder Costa’s strike.
Matz Sels 5/10 – Sels made a couple of great saves in the first half to keep out Wolves, but almost had a howler as he dropped a simple cross which nearly found its way in during the second half. Fans are still questioning their summer acquisition.
Vurnon Anita 6.5/10 – The Dutchman was probably Newcastle’s best player until he was give a straight red late on. He dovetailed well with Matt Ritchie in the first half, less so with Ayoze Perez in the second.
Newcastle United’s Vurnon Anita is shown a straight Red Card
Chancel Mbemba 4.5/10 – Could do nothing about the own goal but his confidence was shot from there on in.
Jamaal Lascelles 5/10 – The Newcastle skipper didn’t look like the leader he has been in recent weeks, constantly giving away possession and looking unwilling to dig his team out a hole. Lascelles’ misplaced pass to Perez cost the Magpies the opening goal.
Paul Dummett 4.5/10 – Dummett had more space to get forward this week, and he didn’t use it once. Far too often he would pass the responsibly on to someone else, despite being in a great crossing position. The left back was also caught out of position for Wolves’ opener.
Wolves’ fans celebrate their second goal
Jonjo Shelvey 5.5/10 – After scoring two against QPR, this kind of performance shows why Shelvey has so many doubters. The midfielder was constantly trying to make things happen but failed on countless occasions. Shelvey needs to find consistency in his game to go to the next level.
Isaac Hayden 6/10 – A bit of a nothing performance from Hayden. The 21-year-old was rightfully subbed when Benitez’s side were chasing the game, with his attacking ability limited.
Matt Ritchie 6.5/10 – One of Newcastle’s brighter performance, but was substituted before he got himself sent off. Ritchie was the home side’s only threat going forward, but was at risk of losing his head and getting a red.
Mo Diame 4/10 – Playing behind the striker just does not suit Diame. The summer signing offered nothing, losing the ball on most occasions. The midfielder should not retain his place.
Newcastle United’s Mohamed Diame receives a yellow card from Tim Robinson
Ayoze Perez 3.5/10 – Another man who should not retain his place is Perez. Playing more like a boy, the Spaniard was constantly shoved off the ball, and his frailty cost Newcastle the second goal as he was bullied off the ball by Wolves.
Dwight Gayle 6/10 – Another afternoon where Gayle was given limited chances. The striker’s best chance came from a header in the first half, but he failed to convert.
SUBSTITUTES
Aleksandar Mitrovic (Hayden 63) 5.5/10 – The Serbian should have started the game. Mitrovic had a golden chance to bring Newcastle back into the game but squandered it. His presence was needed earlier on in the game though.
Christian Atsu (Ritchie 63) 6/10 – The Chelsea loanee brought more energy to the side and was more of a threat on the left wing, but was at times naive and wanted to do too much.
Newcastle United’s Aleksandar Mitrovic looks dejected
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