28th October, 2023
Eddie Howe insisted he was “proud” of his players after Newcastle drew 2-2 with Wolves at Molineux.
A brace from Callum Wilson put the visitors in front of the break — but they were pegged back by an excellent Hee-Chan Hwang goal in the second half.
The draw left Newcastle sixth in the Premier League and extended their top-flight unbeaten run to six matches.
Howe said: “It was certainly a massively tough game for us today — two really good teams and probably a really good spectacle for the viewers today.
“Disappointed not to get over the line and win the game but really proud of what we had to give today off the back of a really challenging week.
“I thought we came on strong late in the game, I was really pleased with that because it has been a physically and mentally challenging week for us but I thought we were the team in the ascendency at the end.
“They were playing on transitions mainly so I was really pleased with the end part of the game and fitness-wise I thought we looked good.
“When you come away from home it’s difficult enough.
“But we had the game away from home, we had the Sandro [Tonali] situation and we’ve had a few injuries in the week so it was a real test today and I’m really pleased with how the players responded to that.”
Newcastle benefitted from a controversial penalty decision just before half-time with Fabian Schar adjudged to have been brought down by Chan.
Wolves boss Gary O’Neil made clear his frustration at the officials.
He said: “There wasn’t a penalty in the first half. No way is that a penalty. I don’t know how they have got that so wrong.
“There is no contact on Schar and he is already on the way down.
“A terrible on-field decision and really surprising it wasn’t overturned.
“I waste my time talking to them so I won’t bother until they improve the level.”