Newcastle United are feeling optimistic after claiming their first three points of the season, though Eddie Howe has now been dealt a frustrating injury blow involving one of his prize assets.
Newcastle show resolve to defeat Wolves after Woltemade winner
Nobody of a black and white persuasion needed to be told twice how important their clash against Wolverhampton Wanderers was yesterday, and supporters will feel a sense of relief that they managed to secure a gritty 1-0 triumph courtesy of Nick Woltemade's debut header.
After draws against Aston Villa and Leeds United with a defeat to Liverpool sandwiched in between, the Magpies are finally on their way up the Premier League table in another campaign where they will target Champions League qualification.
Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe
Making his feelings known post-match, Eddie Howe showered £69 million striker Woltemade with praise, complimenting his excellent showing and signalling that there is plenty more to come from his towering Alexander Isak replacement.
"There was a lot of love for Nick and a lot of pats on the back. The group are really good at doing that, when someone does well.
"It was a great moment for Nick. I was very pleased with how he played. You saw his technical qualities and his intelligence. But most importantly for a striker, when the ball comes into the box, you need to be there - and he was. It was a great finish. I’m really pleased for him personally because that just settles him down and relaxes him. He’s a very humble guy, he wants to do well and he’s delighted to be here."
While drama surrounding Isak's departure to Liverpool has come and gone, Howe has suffered another sizeable blow before some crunch fixtures as his side work to find their groove.
Newcastle striker Yoane Wissa out for at least a month
According to Sky Sports reporter Keith Downie on X following the win against Wolves, Newcastle summer signing Yoane Wissa will be out for four to five weeks after sustaining a knee injury on international duty with DR Congo.
Howe-Wissa-Newcastle-Premier-League
Despite disappointment over the £140,000-per-week earner being unable to feature since joining from Brentford on deadline day, the Magpies have evaded concerns that his knock is ACL-related. However, he will now miss their next six matches prior to the next international break.
This comes after the news about Jacob Ramsey, another summer signing, who will also be out for a month with an ankle problem, with things going from bad to worse for Howe.
Wissa scored 20 times in 39 appearances for Brentford last campaign and established himself as Thomas Frank's go-to man in West London, albeit Howe will now face a period where he is short of striking alternatives behind Woltemade.
William Osula may deputise when needed despite seeing a late move to Eintracht Frankfurt fall through late on in the summer, while Anthony Gordon is another option once he comes back from suspension.