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Three things learned about Wolves v Newcastle

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OPINION

Wolverhampton Wanderers demonstrated their never say die attitude as they came back to rescue a 1-1 draw with Newcastle United on Monday night.

Nuno Espirito Santo’s side were trailing for much of the second half after Isaac Hayden’s opener, only for centre back Willy Boly to climb highest to head home a stoppage time equaliser.

The Wolves boss will reflect on a beguiling night at Molineux where his team found themselves frustrated by the Magpies for much of the game.

As usual there is much to be gleaned from the match, and This is Futbol has rounded up three things that can be learned from Wolves’ draw with Newcastle.

Magic Moutinho shines again

Joao Moutinho has been a tremendous signing for Wolves. The 5ft 6in [Source: Transfermarkt] Portugal international excelled once again on Monday as he ran the show alongside Ruben Neves and Leander Dendoncker in central midfield.

His passing is incredible and he really is a privilege to watch. He’s not as flashy as the outstanding Neves, but he’s had at least a good a season as the former Porto man.

It was a good battle in the middle of the park on Monday. Isaac Hayden and Sean Longstaff, in particular, put up a good fight against Wolves’ tremendous trio, but nothing could stop Moutinho shining once again at Molineux.

Patricio needs to iron out his mistakes

Rui Patricio is a very good goalkeeper, there’s no doubt about that, but he’s cost his team a fair few times this season. His campaign has been similar to his opposite number Martin Dubravka, and if it wasn’t for the Slovakian’s late error more attention may have been paid to Patricio’s error for Hayden’s goal.

It was a powerful drive from the Magpies midfielder, for sure, but Patricio should have done a lot better. It was a low attempt at his near post, you can’t be letting that in.

This isn’t the first time that the former Sporting Lisbon man has got his team and trouble, and it’s high time that he irons out the errors in his game.

Nuno gets it wrong with substitutions

Obviously Wolves were chasing the game in the second half and something needed to be done, but Nuno’s substitutions were slightly baffling on Monday.

Leander Dendoncker, Diogo Jota and Matt Doherty were all replaced by Nuno, and none of the players who came on did much to affect the course of the game. However, that’s not why Nuno’s changes were bizarre.

It’s the players he brought off. Dendoncker, Jota and Doherty were all playing fairly well. Jota was looking like a threat, while Dendoncker was bossing things in midfield. Plus, Doherty is a proven threat late in games. Nuno got it wrong here.

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