Woltemade’s Dream Debut Secures First Win for Newcastle Against Wolves

Nick Woltemade made a dream debut for Newcastle, scoring the decisive goal in a 1-0 victory over Wolverhampton at St. James’ Park. Eddie Howe’s men will be relieved to have secured their first win of the season, while Wolves’ struggles deepen after a fourth consecutive defeat – leaving them the only team in the league yet to pick up a point.

Newcastle made three changes coming into the match. Woltemade replaced William Osula, Joelinton returned for the injured Jacob Ramsey, and Harvey Barnes came in as Sven Botman dropped out. Howe also abandoned the five-at-the-back setup used in the previous defeat to Leeds, reverting to a more familiar 4-3-3 formation.

The game began cautiously, with both sides hesitant to take risks. Newcastle, however, soon asserted themselves and found the breakthrough. Jacob Murphy delivered a superb cross that was met by the towering 6’9” Woltemade, who headed home on his debut. Chances were otherwise scarce in the first half, though Sandro Tonali came close to doubling the lead when his strike rattled the post just before half-time.

The second half followed a similar pattern: Newcastle controlled possession but struggled to carve out clear openings. Wolves, meanwhile, looked blunt in attack and lacked creativity. Manager Vítor Pereira will be concerned by his team’s ongoing lack of threat, with key forward Jørgen Strand Larsen sorely missed. New signing Tolu Arokodare failed to make an impact in his place, squandering the opportunity to impress.

For Howe, this win provides a crucial boost of confidence ahead of Newcastle’s midweek Champions League opener against Barcelona. Pereira, on the other hand, is left searching for answers as Wolves continue to chase their first points of the season