Nick Woltemade wasted no time making his mark at St. James’ Park, heading in a superb cross from Jacob Murphy to secure Newcastle United’s first Premier League win of the 2025–26 season, as they edged past Wolverhampton Wanderers 1-0 in a game where fine margins decided the contest.
After a rocky start to their campaign, the Magpies finally found rhythm when it mattered, while Wolves remain rooted to the bottom of the table, desperately seeking answers.
From the opening whistle Wolves pounced on the opportunity to unsettle their hosts. Within the first ten seconds a long ball forward released Rodrigo Gomes one-on-one with Newcastle’s goalkeeper Nick Pope, who reacted sharply, tipping the shot around the post.
The danger didn’t end there: from the ensuing corner, Hwang Hee-chan forced another key save, keeping Wolves’ hopes alive in a manic start that suggested this could be a long afternoon for Eddie Howe’s side.
Newcastle took their time easing into the match, gradually asserting control through possession and probing on the flanks. Jacob Murphy’s dynamism down the right and the composed passing of Sandro Tonali gave the home crowd reason for hope.
The breakthrough came in the 29th minute when Murphy swung in a perfect cross from the right. Woltemade, newly signed from Stuttgart for a club record fee, rose above Emmanuel Agbadou and powered a header into the far corner from around six metres out. It was a moment that brought relief and celebration in equal measure at St. James’.
For Newcastle, the goal provided more than just three points—it offered a release from early-season pressure. With Alexander Isak having left for Liverpool in a high-profile transfer, many questioned how his replacement would perform.
Woltemade, though deployed out of necessity due to an injury to Yoane Wissa, showed intelligence, aerial presence, and composure—qualities that suggest this signing may prove decisive. His debut was thoughtful as much as it was dramatic.
Wolves, meanwhile, couldn’t convert their bright start into something more tangible. Rodrigo Gomes came close on more than one occasion, but Newcastle’s defense held firm. Nick Pope made several crucial saves to keep the visitors at bay, particularly in the opening exchanges.
As the first half drew to a close, Sandro Tonali almost made it two when his powerful strike from outside the box crashed against the post. Moments like that underscored Newcastle’s growing dominance as the interval approached.
The second half carried the tension of a narrow lead. Wolves, chasing their first point of the season, started brighter, trying to force openings and test Newcastle’s defensive structure. But as the minutes passed, Newcastle carved out the better opportunities.
They might have missed a chance through Harvey Barnes after a slick move around midfield, and there was a sense every wave of attack could yield breathing space. However, despite the dominance in patches, a second goal proved elusive.
Woltemade’s influence persisted until the 64th minute when cramp forced his exit; he left the field to a standing ovation, a reminder of just how much had been riding on his performance.
Howe responded with substitutions aimed at shoring up the mid-game tempo, bringing on Joe Willock and Will Osula to maintain momentum. Wolves, for their part, made tactical changes too, but perhaps lacked the cutting edge or composure in the final third to turn the game.
As the clock ticked down, Wolves pushed men forward, looking for that elusive equaliser. Marshall Munetsi came on as an auxiliary striker, and Jean-Ricner Bellegarde earned a late free kick when fouled by Bruno Guimarães.
But Newcastle’s organization, determination and occasional flashes of quality kept the visitors from truly threatening. Wolves’ late free kick struck the wall, the resulting corner fizzed harmlessly into the box, and in the end there was no way through.
When the final whistle blew, relief and delight swept through the home side. The significance of the win went beyond the three points: for Newcastle, it marked their first victory in the league after a run of disappointing results, offering reassurance that the summer’s upheavals may yet yield fruit.
For Woltemade, it was a debut to remember: a header, a performance full of poise, and the kind of moment that helps draw a line under speculation and expectation.
Wolves, in contrast, departed with more questions than answers. Four matches in, zero points, and the worst start to a Premier League campaign in their long-storied history.
Injuries, departures, and a failure to convert promising openings have all contributed to their plight. They showed flashes, but ultimately their lack of cutting edge cost them dearly. Manager Vítor Pereira must now find a way to steady the ship before the pressure mounts any further.