Boly rescues last-gasp draw for Wolves to leave Benitez fuming
WOLVERHAMPTON WANDERERS NEWCASTLE UNITED 1 1
NUNO ESPIRITO SANTO’S Wolves have displayed a propensity for late drama this season and this was another grandstand finish to add to their collection.
Four minutes into added time, defender Willy Boly rose to head in the equaliser and save Wolves from reflecting on an excruciating evening of missed opportunities and a suspect piece of goalkeeping.
Boly’s header from substitute Adama Traore’s deep cross left Newcastle furious and convinced that goalkeeper Martin Dubravka had been fouled by the giant Wolves defender, but it was arguably a just reward for the home team.
Nuno’s team had dominated but displayed the cutting edge of a plastic spatula.
Frustration
Nuno’s frustration only increased over the part played by goalkeeper Rui Patricio in Newcastle’s goal, allowing Isaac Hayden’s shot to beat him at the near post.
Hayden’s first goal since October 2017 had threatened to secure a crucial three points for Benitez on an evening when record £21m signing Miguel Almiron also made his debut as a substitute.
Benitez and his players flew to Spain immediately after the final whistle and the Newcastle manager is hoping the warm weather takes his team away from the icy chill of the relegation trapdoor.
Benitez will know that the two upcoming home games against Huddersfield and Burnley could ultimately define the final months of Newcastle’s season.
Nuno’s Wolves had just returned after a week of training in Marbella, and his upwardly mobile team dominated much of the first half without displaying a ruthless edge.
Raul Jimenez was at the centre of Wolves’ best moments and Matt Doherty should have scored in the 48th minute, somehow heading over from four yards.
Wolves’ profligacy proved costly, for Newcastle took the lead with their first chance of the second half, 11 minutes in. Fabian Schar found Hayden inside the area with a sublime pass which completely caught out the home defence.
Hayden’s shot was cleanly hit but should have presented no problems to Patricio, who could only palm the ball into his own net at the near post. (© Daily Telegraph, London)