Almiron to the rescue as Newcastle stop rot in Wolves win
The Magpies dominated possession and pinned back their visitors early on, but for all their control, they created only two clear cut chances as Kieran Trippier blasted a free-kick into the wall and Alexander Isak had a tame header saved.
A guilty looking Nick Pope then received a let off at the other end when he somehow got away with bringing down Raul Jimenez in the area, with VAR deciding no clear and obvious error had been made by referee Andy Madley.
That lucky escape was followed six minutes later by the hosts taking the lead, as Isak brilliantly nodded Tripper’s free-kick into the far corner.
The lead was almost doubled when Bruno Guimaraes clipped the bar, while a plethora of shots were also blocked by a resolute Wolves defence, who then saw Daniel Podence rattle the woodwork with a rare shot.
Pedro Neto was introduced at the break, and that turned the momentum towards Julen Lopetegui’s side, as the substitute had a fierce free-kick beaten away, before teeing up Joao Moutinho for a shot that was saved.
An equaliser looked on the cards, and Hwang Hee-Chan duly delivered, passing into an empty net from close range after a slip by Trippier.
That seemed to wake Newcastle up, and they went back ahead through another substitute, Almiron, who curled into the far corner after being found in space by Joe Willock.
That was enough to ensure Howe’s side picked up their first win since January and moved to within four points of the UEFA Champions League places, while Wolves remain just three points clear of the relegation zone.
Flashscore Man of the Match: Joe Willock (Newcastle United)