Match of the Day

A fierce fought game at Molineux on a dark and rainy Autumn night. Six of the last nine meetings between Wolves and Newcastle have ended 1-1. Neither side showed any intention of settling for a draw tonight!

Sa made a bit of a horlicks of Gordon’s cross from the left and a determined Wilson hooked it over his shoulder and into the net at the second attempt. Culnha drew a great save from Nick Pope but Pope could not get out to a Mario Lemina diving header from a corner driven deep. In first half stoppage time Hwang appeared to catch an opponent’s heel.  The two Robbies called it harsh but if one player trips another in the penalty area what other option does the referee (of all people Anthony Taylor!) (and VAR) have?  (Later however, Kieran showed how he could cynically Trippier you up and not get a yellow.) Sa got a hand on Wilson’s penalty kick but couldn’t keep the ball out. Wilson’s seventh Premier League goal of the season.

In the second half, after Lascelles was cautioned for a bit of wrestling Newcastle were on the ropes. An intricate equalizer followed from Hwang after a lovely dribble and lay-off from Gomes. Pedro Neto, Wolves superstar, pulled his hamstring too badly to walk off the field. Easily done!

I remember pulling my left hamstring by no means so badly and how a bloody bruise drained down the muscle at the back of my thigh to the outside of my knee. Newcastle finished the stronger. Seems like they have an under-heralded star in every position. Look at Joelinton, as a case in point, my man of the match. What a transformation we see in the Brazilian from the diffident striker of a couple of years ago to today’s midfield dynamo and playmaker.

Both sides played adventurous, aggressive, physical football. No one deserved to lose. Both teams are nursing impressive unbeaten streaks and long may that continue! This was fierce football in the most pitiless conditions. If this spectacle is not putting you on the edge of your seat then you are already on your feet!

Elsewhere Nketiah scored the first three as Arsenal put five past the hapless Sheffield United. His third goal was a gem.

Burnley had a goal disqualified by the narrowest offside margin. Then Bournemouth’s Billing clearly handled the ball above his head before scoring the winner!

What a great sprint from Sanchez, the Chelsea keeper. A goal down in the 94th minute he was up for an attacking corner but Brentford broke back with the ball. Sanchez kept pace with two Brentford strikers and came within a hair of taking the ball away from them in his own penalty area! Chelsea 0-2 Brentford.

Manchester derby tomorrow!