Bruno Lage’s controversial verdict on Newcastle United late equaliser at Wolves

Wolves boss Bruno Lage believes Newcastle United were fortunate to score a late equaliser at Molineux on Sunday afternoon.

Allan Saint-Maximin benefited from a weak clearance by Hwang Hee-Chan to hit home a stunning volley in the 90th minute.

The goal, which maintained the Magpies’ unbeaten start to the 2022-23 Premier League season, according to Lage, was a “lucky moment”.

Lage said: “The way we conceded the goal is a bit of frustration but the good signs are there in terms of the way we play, the way we press, the way they manage the ball.

“We were against a strong side who like to play in a good rhythm and exploit the speed in behind. The aerial duels were key and we did an amazing job in that moment.

“What we think we should do better.. after 60 minutes, we needed to make better decisions in the transition. That is the thing we need to improve.

“The goal was an unlucky moment for us, I think it was a lucky moment for Newcastle to score that goal so it’s a 1-1 point for us.

“In football you can make mistakes. He knows. The ball is in the corner and he [Hwang] put the ball in an area where the opponent can score.”

VAR once again took centre stage at Molinuex, with Lage feeling two major decisions went against his side.

Fabian Schar was spared a red card after a late challenge on Pedro Neto, while Raul Jimenez saw his goal for 2-0 ruled out after Ryan Fraser was pushed in the back by Neto in the build-up.

“Two decisions against us are hard to take,” Lage said. “I was surprised when I saw that it was going to be a red card [VAR] decision, when you see it, 90% of people think it’s a red card but VAR makes the decision.”