Alan Shearer issues nine-word verdict on Newcastle victory against Wolves

Newcastle United ran out 1-0 winners over Wolves on Friday night to edge further away from the Premier League relegation zone.

Under Eddie Howe, the Magpies went from seemingly Championship-bound to 10 points clear of the bottom three.

Last week, Newcastle suffered a morale-damaging 5-1 defeat to Spurs.

However, they bounced back at the next available opportunity, beating a lacklustre Wolves outfit.

Admittedly, Friday night’s game at St James’ Park wasn’t one for the purists, particularly in the first half.

There wasn’t a single official shot on target in the opening 45 minutes.

Also, Wolves didn’t get a touch in Newcastle’s box before the break.

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 Magpies were the better team for most of the game, but lacked cutting edge to really trouble the visitors.

Newcastle finally made their breakthrough midway through the second half.

Joelinton surged forward from the Newcastle midfield and played Wood in.

The January signing drew a foul from Jose Sa, prompting the referee to point to the spot.

Wood stepped up and emphatically struck home from 12 yards out.

It was his first Newcastle goal at St James’ Park and his second since joining from Burnley.

Though Wolves tried hard to find an equaliser, Howe’s charges held on for a vital three points.

Shearer was delighted with his boyhood club’s efforts on the night and shared a nine-word verdict on Twitter:

Not pretty at times but a deserved 3 points. #NEWWOL ⚫️⚪️
— Alan Shearer (@alanshearer) April 8, 2022

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Fellow Toon legend Chris Waddle also gave his verdict.

He said on BBC Radio 5 Live: “A great performance from Newcastle, the energy and tempo they showed tonight.

“Bruno Lage will be very disappointed. Newcastle thoroughly deserved their win.”

Newcastle are next in action on Sunday 17 April when they host Leicester City at St James’ Park.