Four things we learnt from Newcastle’s win against Wolves.

Newcastle’s win over Wolves Led by Alexander Isak’s scoring streak, they won their eighth straight game and moved into the Premier League’s top four.

Newcastle United secured their eighth successive win in all competitions this season with a 3-0 victory over Wolves at St James Park on Wednesday night. In what may have been a stumbling obstacle for Eddie Howe’s team, the Magpies dominated the game. However, Wolves were not without their moments. Jørgen Strand Larsen hit the post at the end of the first half, and Santiago Bueno scored with 10 minutes remaining. However, following a fast VAR review, he was found to have handled the ball in the build-up.

After a favourable outcome at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday night, Newcastle leapfrogged Chelsea to enter the top four for the first time since September. As long as this impressive run of success continues, Newcastle will undoubtedly be in contention for Champions League football next season.

Defensive Conundrum

Prior to the encounter with Vitor Pereira’s side, most of the discussion focused on which two players would form Newcastle’s central defensive duo. Sven Botman has recently returned from injury and, despite a lengthy layoff, has demonstrated no signs of rust, holding his own against top-tier competition. He continues to resemble the player that arrived from Lille in 2022. Then there’s Dan Burn, whose outstanding performance this season persuaded the club that centre-half wasn’t a position that needed quick reinforcement. This sentiment is shared by his teammates, who were eager to laud the Blythe-born defender after the excellent win at the Emirates last week.

Finally, Fabian Schär could be considered the best pound-for-pound signing in recent memory. He is steady, at ease with the ball under his feet, and has a remarkable passing range. Choosing between these three will be no easy feat for Howe. Fortunately for him, the decision was simplified last night when Schär missed the game due to sickness. He is expected to recuperate in time for Saturday’s match against Bournemouth. In the long run, Howe is likely to prefer a partnership of Botman and Schär, as they are the most technically skilled of the three. However, Schär will turn 35 next season, it will not be long before the club begins searching for a long-term successor to the former Swiss international.

In Need of a Right-Winger

With the news that Miguel Almirón’s six-year tenure on Tyneside may be coming to an end, Newcastle have the potential to sign someone who can boost their attack. This season, Newcastle’s offensive has been largely one-dimensional, with a strong predilection for creating play down Anthony Gordon’s left wing. To establish their top-four credentials, they must recruit an attacker capable of repeating Gordon’s impact while also bringing balance to their forward play. While Jacob Murphy has performed admirably, he is not viewed as a long-term answer. Bryan Mbeumo has been mentioned, although Manchester United, Arsenal, and Tottenham are all apparently interested in signing him.

Another commonly cited alternative is Johan Bakayoko, a PSV winger. He might be a more cheap alternative for Newcastle, who have struggled to remain within their PSR limits.

Bruno Turned Creator

Newcastle’s midfield formation has been a source of concern this season. Bruno Guimarães’ ingenuity has improved the team’s attacking performance after adopting a winning formula that includes Sandro Tonali in a deeper role. It is apparent that when he is released from defensive duties, he is able to substantially alter the outcome of any game. Bruno has a 7.29 average rating (SofaScore) this season, with seven goals and seven assists.

More importantly, Bruno is a valuable tool in breaking down low blocks, which Newcastle is increasingly encountering. His vision, highlighted by the brilliantly threaded pass to an unmarked Alexander Isak last night, demonstrates his ability to break down tight defences. Man of the Moment There is little doubt that Alexander Isakis is the Premier League’s most in-form player right now. His eight-game scoring streak puts him on track to break Ruud Van Nistelrooy’s ten-game record and Jamie Vardy’s eleven. He is a confident player who is incapable of making a mistake. Newcastle will have to do everything they can to stave off any attempts, particularly from anyone they consider a direct competition. However, if Newcastle can reach the Champions League football this season, there is the belief that Isak could be convinced to put pen to paper on a new deal which would keep him at the club beyond 2028.

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