Newcastle’s long-range double stuns Wolves in 2-1 EPL comeback victory
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Wolverhampton Wanderers' Craig Dawson in action with Newcastle United's Fabian Schar.
PHOTO: REUTERS
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LONDON – It was always likely going to be a long shot for Newcastle United to get into the top-four positions in the English Premier League, but the Magpies are proving their doubters wrong.
It is still early in the season, but Eddie Howe’s men showed they have the fight after battling back from a half-time deficit with two long-range strikes in five minutes to beat Wolverhampton Wanderers 2-1 at Molineux on Sept 15.
The win moved them into third place in the standings, level on 10 points with Arsenal in second and two behind leaders Manchester City, who have a perfect four wins.
“Massive win for us. Away from home, we have questions to answer and that is a big step forward for us,” Howe said.
“I think we are stepping forward in terms of our performances. I think it was a step in the right direction.
“We can improve in lots of different aspects and that is what we are going to be working on this week. We are a really tight-knit group and we have to remain that way.”
Fabian Schar’s speculative 75th-minute effort took a deflection to draw Newcastle level after Wolves captain Mario Lemina’s goal had put the hosts ahead, as they chased their first league success of the season.
But while there might have been an element of fortune about Schar’s goal, there was no luck involved as Harvey Barnes thrashed home the winner.
Both efforts came from outside the penalty area and dramatically turned around the outcome after struggling Wolves had dominated most of the encounter.
The home side remain in the bottom three with a single point from four games.
Howe reserved special praise for Barnes.
“His qualities are unbounded and he is a goalscoring winger and there are not many around. He is one of the best finishing wingers I’ve seen,” the Newcastle boss said.
“Quality goal-scoring wingers are few and far between and as long as he stays fit he is going to be a key player for us this season.”
The Magpies began the encounter strongly but Jorgen Strand Larsen broke on the counter attack, hit a square ball across the Newcastle goalmouth that Joao Gomes generously dummied to allow Lemina a simple tap-in.
Newcastle goalkeeper Nick Pope also made two big saves before the game turned on its head in the second half.
Schar’s shot caught the top of the head of Wolves defender Craig Dawson and flew past Sam Johnstone and into the top corner.
Barnes, who struggled last season with a foot injury, then made room for himself shortly after by accelerating inside from the left before firing off a driving effort to score a sumptuous winner.
“When you’re coming on and the team’s behind and they need a goal, you have to take it upon yourself as an attacking player to try and change the game,” he said.
Pope’s full-length dive to deny Matheus Cunha in stoppage time kept unbeaten Newcastle’s lead intact as they made it three wins from four matches.
REUTERS, AFP
