Howe admits Newcastle lacked quality in Wolves stalemate | OneFootball

Eddie Howe has admitted his side lacked quality in the final third during a goalless draw with Wolves.

Newcastle’s hopes of Champions League qualification were dented after labouring to a 0-0 draw with 20th-placed Wolves at Molineux.

The Magpies dominated possession (66%) in the clash but struggled to turn their ball dominance into chances.

Nick Woltemade led the line for Newcastle but failed to register a shot on target, while replacement Yoane Wissa made little impact off the bench.

The draw ended a three-game winning run in the Premier League and Howe conceded his side’s chance creation ‘was an issue.

Speaking to BBC Match of the Day, he said: “We controlled the game but we didn’t have the cutting edge today. Chance creation was an issue.

“They defended well, very low, compact and it was difficult for us to find space. We were looking for a moment of magic from an individual of brilliance or set play. We had the opportunities as the game went on but we didn’t take them.

“The endeavour was there, the effort was there, but maybe the quality wasn’t in the final third. It was a game where we had possession and tried to find a way through and I think we did better the longer we went on. We were just looking for a moment and we didn’t take it.

“Our ball control was good and we had a lot of possession. I wanted us to quicken it up at half-time where we were too slow and we allowed them to get into their shape. I thought we did that a lot better.

“It was always going to be their threat [on the counter-attack] and we managed it pretty well. They had a few moments in both halves but good attitude form our players to recover. We protected the goal well today for the away side, and that is the real positive for today. We are disappointed not to win.

“When you get a point, you see the negative but later on you maybe see the positive, who knows. It was a strong performance today just without the goalmouth action.”

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