Newcastle United opened up a 10 point lead over the Premier League relegation zone with a 1-0 victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Chris Wood scored his second goal in Magpies colours - his first at St James’ Park - from the penalty spot to end a run of three straight defeats for Eddie Howe’s men.
Eddie Howe named two changes from the 5-1 defeat at Tottenham Hotspur with Bruno Guimaraes handed his first St James’ Park start. Emil Krafth was the other change, with the injured Joe Willock and Javier Manquillo dropping out of the starting XI.
The Magpies were handed an early injury blow when Ryan Fraser was forced to depart on 12 minutes after pulling up with a hamstring injury. Miguel Almiron, back from illness, replaced him.
The Paraguyan was lively when he was introduced and he linked up brilliantly with Guimaraes in what was thought to be United’s opener in the 24th minute. Chris Wood found the net but the goal was chalked off by VAR after Guimaraes was adjudged offside in the build-up.
Wood, however, wasn’t to be denied on 72 minutes when he scored from the spot after being brought down by Wolves goalkeeper Jose SA.
It proved to be the winner for the Magpies, who moved up to 14th in the top-flight table.
Here, our writer Jordan Cronin dishes out his Newcastle United players from the win on Tyneside.
1. Martin Dubravka - 7
Pulled off a superb right-handed save to prevent Fabio Silva from finding the bottom corner on 81 minutes. That stopped the visitors from equalsing. Photo: Alex Burstow
2. Emil Krafth - 7
Made his sixth start in eight games after being reinstated ahead of Javier Manquillo. A decent display, with a vital second-half block a standout moment. | Getty Images
3. Fabian Schar - 7
Barring a nervy spell at the beginning of the second-half, Schar, alongside Burn, defended well. Photo: Stu Forster
4. Dan Burn - 8
Registered Newcastle’s first shot on target - excluding the disallowed goal - on 53 minutes. Was a rock defensively, putting a difficult display at Spurs behind him. Photo: George Wood