Alan Shearer and Chris Waddle react to Chris Wood's winner for Newcastle tonight

By Giuseppe Labellarte

Newcastle United legends Alan Shearer and Chris Waddle have given their verdict on Chris Wood’s penalty to open the scoring against Wolves.

The Magpies hosted the Molineux side at St James’ Park in the first Premier League game of matchday 31.

It wasn’t a particularly exciting game for the most part. There was little in the way of attacking action in the first half.

Indeed, there wasn’t a single official shot on target in the first half. And Wolves didn’t get a touch in Newcastle’s box.

Newcastle did get the ball in the back of the net through Wood, but VAR disallowed it due to offside in the build-up.

The first official shot on target came from Newcastle on 51 minutes, Wood setting up Dan Burn for an effort Jose Sa saved.

Finally, on 72 minutes, there was a breakthrough as the Magpies won and scored a spot kick.

Sa brought Wood down in the box, prompting the referee to award a penalty.

And the January signing rifled down the middle for the opener.

Shearer, writing on Twitter, was relieved to see a goal finally come in:

And Waddle, commentating on BBC Radio 5 Live, thought it was “thoroughly deserved.”

“What a great penalty by Wood,” he added. “He had to wait a long time.

“Struck, straight down the middle, keeper no chance. On tonight’s performance, Newcastle deserve the lead.”

Wood’s penalty proved to be the winner as Eddie Howe’s charges got back to winning ways.