Hwang Hee-chan’s Goal Rescues Wolves Against Newcastle

Hwang Hee-chan showcased his brilliance by netting a remarkable equalizer that halted Newcastle’s charge in the Premier League.

Wolves staged a spirited comeback to secure a 2-2 draw against Newcastle, who had taken the lead with a double from Callum Wilson at Molineux on Saturday.

The English international, Wilson, found the net twice in the first half, putting Newcastle ahead 2-1 and seemingly on course for their fifth league victory in six games. However, South Korean international Hwang stepped up for the home team, scoring a well-deserved equalizer in the 71st minute, marking his sixth Premier League goal of the season.

The only change to the Newcastle lineup from their previous game, a 1-0 Champions League defeat to Borussia Dortmund, was Wilson replacing the injured Alexander Isak. Notably, Sandro Tonali was absent from the squad due to a 10-month ban for betting offenses.

Wilson opened the scoring following a chaotic scramble in the box, initiated when the ball slipped through the grasp of Jose Sa as he attempted to collect Anthony Gordon’s cross. Wilson’s initial effort was blocked by defender Toti, but he acrobatically turned it home on the rebound, firing over his shoulder.

Wolves leveled the score in the 36th minute when Mario Lemina outmaneuvered Kieran Trippier at the far post to head in Pedro Neto’s corner.

Newcastle was awarded a controversial penalty in first-half stoppage time, offering them a chance to regain the lead. Hwang was judged to have clipped Fabian Schaer as he tried to dispossess him in the box, although there appeared to be minimal contact. After a thorough VAR review, referee Anthony Taylor’s decision stood, and Wilson successfully converted the penalty despite Sa’s strong hand on the ball.

In the second half, Wolves dominated the game and eventually got the reward they deserved. Newcastle goalkeeper Nick Pope opted to punch a free-kick instead of catching it, allowing Toti to beat a defender before feeding Hwang. Hwang made a sharp turn to leave Dan Burn helpless before smashing the ball into the net.

Speaking about the penalty decision, Hwang expressed his disagreement, telling the BBC, “I feel a little strange. After I gave them a penalty, I felt so sad, so I really wanted to do something for my team. After the first half, everybody said to me ‘you can do it, keep going.’ They gave me trust. I scored again, and I am so happy to help the team.”

Shortly after their equalizer, Wolves suffered a setback as key player Neto appeared to injure his hamstring while attempting a shot. Sasa Kalajdzic replaced him. Although the visitors increased the pressure in their pursuit of a winner, Wolves managed to hold on.

The draw leaves Newcastle in sixth place in the Premier League table, while Wolves, who have now gone unbeaten in five league games, sit in 12th place.

Newcastle manager Eddie Howe expressed his satisfaction with how his team finished the game and their overall fitness, considering the challenges they faced. Regarding Sandro Tonali’s ban, Newcastle acknowledged that he would be eligible to return to competitive action on August 27, 2024, following his participation in a “therapeutic plan and educational program in Italy.”