NEWCASTLE (4-2-3-1):
7 Darlow: Produced an excellent first-half save to deny Wallace when the scores were level, and should be playing ahead of Sels
7 Yedlin: Was solid in defence and became increasingly influential in attack as the night wore on with his pace coming to the fore
7 Hanley: Led the defensive line impressively and made an excellent first-half challenge when Gladon looked ready to pounce
6 Clark: Looked untroubled throughout as he enjoyed a relatively quiet evening against Wolves’ ineffective attackers
6 Lazaar: Enjoyed a trouble-free debut, although he let himself down with some wasteful first-half crossing
6 Shelvey: Patrolled the central area with a high degree of comfort and had more time on the ball than he was afforded at the weekend
6 Colback: Neat and tidy whenever he passed the ball and came close to scoring with a second-half shot that whistled wide
8 RITCHIE: The pick of Newcastle’s midfielders as he always looked to be positive from the right – took the opening goal superbly
7 Diame: Was much better than he had been at the weekend, and came within inches of scoring as he hit the crossbar
7 Gouffran: Continued his excellent recent spell with a spectacular volleyed goal, something that is becoming a bit of a trademark
6 Murphy: Battled away gamely and provided an aerial threat, but wasn’t able to get either of his best two chances on target
Subs:
Perez (for Diame, 72)
Atsu (for Gouffran, 74)
Lacelles (for Ritchie, 85)
(not used): Woodman (gk), Dummett, Hayden, Mitrovic.
WOLVES (4-3-3):
Lonergan 6; Silvio 5, Iorfa 4, Hause 5, Borthwick-Jackson 5; COADY 6, Teixeira 4 (John 46, 5), Saville 6; Mason 5 (Price 62, 4), Gladon 5, Wallace 4 (Bodvarsson 78).
Subs (not used): Ikeme (gk), Doherty, Batth, Oniangue.
Man Of The Match: MATT RITCHIE – The winger broke the deadlock with an excellent curled strike and was a constant threat from the right of Newcastle’s midfield.
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