Newcastle United continued their red-hot form as Alexander Isak’s brilliant brace inspired a commanding 3-0 victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers at St. James’ Park. This emphatic win marked Newcastle’s sixth consecutive Premier League (PL) triumph, a feat not achieved since 2022, and propelled them into the top four, leapfrogging Chelsea.
Newcastle’s Early Dominance
Riding the momentum of an eight-game winning streak across all competitions, Newcastle came out firing from the first whistle. Jacob Murphy signaled the hosts’ intent with an early shot that forced Wolves goalkeeper José Sá into action.
The Magpies’ dominance was briefly tested when a defensive lapse offered Goncalo Guedes a golden opportunity. However, the Wolves forward failed to capitalize, sending his effort wide of the target. This warning galvanized Newcastle, who began to dictate the tempo, with Isak and Murphy combining to stretch Wolves’ defensive line.
Isak’s Record-Breaking Opener
It was only a matter of time before Newcastle’s pressure paid off. Alexander Isak, in the form of his life, etched his name into the record books as the first Newcastle player to score in eight consecutive Premier League games. Picking up the ball in a deep position, the Swedish international embarked on a mesmerizing solo run, weaving through Wolves’ defense. A touch of fortune followed as his strike took a heavy deflection, wrong-footing Sá and giving Newcastle a deserved lead.
Will Alexander Isak break Jamie Vardy’s scoring record? pic.twitter.com/Bq6icNxWqD
— Premier League (@premierleague) January 15, 2025
Wolves nearly found an equalizer before halftime when Jorgen Strand Larsen’s first-time shot grazed the far post. However, Magpies weathered the storm and nearly doubled their advantage before the break, with Sandro Tonali’s deflected shot narrowly missing the target.
Clinical Second Half for the Magpies
The second half saw Newcastle tighten their grip on the game. Dominating possession and pressing high, the Magpies methodically dismantled Wolves’ resistance. Their efforts bore fruit again just before the hour mark, with Isak once more at the heart of the action.
He just can’t stop scoring! pic.twitter.com/0fvzJ8vL2r
— Newcastle United (@NUFC) January 16, 2025
Receiving a perfectly timed pass from Bruno Guimarães inside the box, Isak displayed remarkable composure to slot home his second goal of the evening. This strike not only solidified Newcastle’s control but also underscored Isak’s status as one of the league’s most clinical finishers this season.
Anthony Gordon Seals the Win
As Wolves struggled to mount a comeback, Magpies delivered the final blow in clinical fashion. A swift counterattack saw Isak turn provider, unselfishly squaring the ball to Anthony Gordon, who swept home his fifth goal in six games. The move highlighted Newcastle’s attacking fluidity and teamwork, a hallmark of Eddie Howe’s tenure.
Wolves had fleeting moments of promise in the closing stages. Santiago Bueno thought he had pulled one back, but his goal was disallowed for handball after a VAR review. Moments later, Newcastle goalkeeper Martin Dúbravka made a crucial save, deflecting Strand Larsen’s point-blank effort onto the crossbar.
Historic League Double Over Wolves
The victory marked Magpies first league double over Wolverhampton Wanderers since the 1905/06 season, an achievement over a century in the making. More importantly, the three points lifted Newcastle into the coveted top four, bolstering their ambitions of securing Champions League football next season.
Wolves’ Struggles Continue
For Wolves, the honeymoon period under new manager Vítor Pereira appears to be over. Back-to-back defeats in the Premier League have plunged the team into 18th place, deepening their relegation worries. Despite a spirited effort, their defensive frailties and lack of cutting-edge in attack were laid bare against a rampant Newcastle side.
Key Stats Highlight Newcastle’s Dominance
- Alexander Isak’s Streak: Isak became the first Newcastle player to score in eight consecutive Premier League games, cementing his place as a key figure in their attack.
- Anthony Gordon’s Impact: Gordon’s goal extended his impressive run, with five goals in his last six appearances.
- Defensive Solidity: Newcastle recorded their third clean sheet in six games, underlining their defensive discipline.
Looking Ahead
With this win, Newcastle continues to build momentum as the business end of the Premier League season approaches. Eddie Howe’s men have firmly established themselves as genuine contenders for a top-four finish, showcasing a blend of attacking flair and defensive resilience. Meanwhile, Wolves face an uphill battle to climb out of the relegation zone, with Pereira needing to quickly address their issues on both ends of the pitch.
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