Newcastle United

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Newcastle boss Eddie Howe, speaking to TNT Sports: "Really good performance from us. A difficult opponent, tactically they are tough to play against.

"We were rewarded with some really good goals today. Really good night for Yoane Wissa and I am really pleased for him. In part he came to this club for nights like today. The players embraced the challenge and I thought it was the best individual performances from a lot of the players for a while.

"A lot of the players have excelled in this competition this year and Anthony Gordon is one of those."

On Kieran Trippier giving Lewis Miley the captain's armband: "It was unscripted and unplanned, typical Kieran - thinking of other people. A great moment for Lewis."

Can you go to Paris and win in final game? "It is what we have to try to do. One step at a time, it is Aston Villa first. Premier League is so important and a really tough game."

On Bruno Guimaraes' injury: "For Bruno to come off it is a worrying sign but fingers crossed."

Did you know?

• Anthony Gordon has now been directly involved in eight goals in the Champions League for Newcastle (six goals, two assists), the outright most by any player for the club, while he has also equalled Alan Shearer's club-record six-goal tally for the Magpies in the competition.

• Bruno Guimaraes made his 13th Champions League start for Newcastle, the outright most of any outfield player and one behind Shay Given (14) overall.

Listen to Howe on BBC Sounds

Ciaran Kelly
Football reporter

Image source, Getty Images

PSV manager Peter Bosz spoke before this game about how his side play the same way regardless of whether they are home or away.

Such bravery has paid dividends.

The Dutch league leaders have hammered both Liverpool and Napoli in the Champions League, and their previous away defeat came last March.

But to attempt to play out from the back against a high press was always going to be fraught with danger against this Newcastle frontline - and this fervent crowd.

Yoane Wissa, recalled following the goalless draw against bottom-of-the-table Wolves at the weekend, set the tone.

Not only did he press Kovar before the goalkeeper gave the ball away in the build-up to Newcastle's first - he closed Gasiorowski down in the run-up to Anthony Gordon doubling his side's lead.

After such a blunt showing at Molineux at the weekend - Newcastle did not have a shot on target until the 85th minute - Newcastle's rapid frontline thrived just four days later, with Harvey Barnes getting in on the act after the break.

Just like their other home wins against Benfica and Athletic Club in the Champions League, Newcastle made this look comfortable.

It got to the point where Eddie Howe had the luxury of taking off Joelinton, Gordon and Wissa midway through the second half, while 19-year-old Lewis Miley was even handed the captain's armband late on after Kieran Trippier went off.

The result had long been in the bag by then as Newcastle supporters repeatedly chanted: "Is this the way to Barcelona? Bayern Munich, Lazio, Roma? Geordie boys are taking over - Champions League awaits for me!"

The big question now is whether a play-off awaits or if this side can qualify for the last 16 automatically.

It's all to play for in Paris next week.

Listen to more reaction on BBC Radio Newcastle

Whether you were at the game or following from elsewhere, we want to know what you learned.

What did you make of Newcastle's display?

Come back on Thursday for a selection of your replies

Yoane Wissa starts as Newcastle United make just one change for the visit of PSV Eindhoven in the Champions League.

The Newcastle forward replaces Nick Woltemade in the starting line-up following the goalless draw against bottom of the table Wolves at the weekend.

Wissa makes his first-ever start in the competition as Newcastle look to clinch a last 16 play-off spot at St James' Park.

Newcastle XI: Pope, Trippier, Thiaw, Botman, Hall, Guimaraes, Tonali, Joelinton, Barnes, Wissa, Gordon

Subs: Ramsdale, Thompson, Elanga, Woltemade, Willock, A.Murphy, Ramsey, Shahar, Neave, Miley

PSV have made two changes as Anass Salah-Eddine and Dennis Man come into the side.

PSV XI: Kovar, Sildillia, Schouten, Gasiorowski, Salah-Eddine, Veerman, Junior, Wanner, Man, Til, Perisic

Subs: Schiks, Smolenaars, Obispo, Flamingo, Fernandez, van den Berg, Driouech, Bajraktarevic, Verkooijen

There are nine games in the Champions League on Wednesday and BBC Sport will bring you every moment.

• Galatasaray v Atletico Madrid (17:45)

• Qarabag v Eintracht Frankfurt (17:45)

• Atalanta v Athletic Club

• Bayern Munich v Union Saint-Gilloise

• Chelsea v Pafos

• Juventus v Benfica

• Marseille v Liverpool - listen on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra

• Newcastle v PSV Eindhoven - listen on BBC Radio 5 Live

• Slavia Prague v Barcelona

Kick-off times 20:00 GMT unless stated

Follow all of the action and reaction here

You can also listen to 5 Live commentaries on most smart speakers. Just say "ask BBC Sounds to play Marseille v Liverpool" or "ask BBC Sounds to play Newcastle v PSV".

Find out more about how to listen to football on BBC Sounds

Watch highlights of every Champions League game from 22:00 on Wednesday on BBC iPlayer and the BBC Sport website and app.

There will also be a Champions League Match of the Day on BBC One on Wednesday, from 22:40 to 00:00.

Matt Jones
BBC Sport journalist

Newcastle will guarantee qualification for the last-16 play-offs and keep slender hopes of a top-eight finish alive with a victory over PSV Eindhoven on Wednesday.

Their away struggles continued in the Premier League on Sunday with a 0-0 draw at bottom side Wolves, but they have been strong at home in the league (W7, D2, L2) and Europe (W2, L1).

PSV are in a fight to qualify, but they have proven to be dangerous opponents. A 4-1 win at Liverpool showcased their potential. The Dutch side have won both previous Champions League meetings between the teams, 1-0 at home and 2-0 away in 1997-98.

Did you know?

• PSV have won 14 of their past 16 games. However, their 4-1 win at Liverpool in November was just their second victory in 15 away games against English teams.

• They keep the ball well. Two of the three longest passing sequences leading to goals in the Champions League this season have been scored by PSV.

• Only Paris St-Germain, Borussia Dortmund, Bayern Munich and Arsenal had more goals than PSV's 15 after six games.

Image source, Getty Images

Key PSV players - Joey Veerman and Guus Til

Veerman has eight goals and nine assists this season, and can play as a six or more advanced. The midfielder looked set to join Fenerbahce this month, but the deal collapsed. Since his PSV debut in January 2022, he ranks top in chances created – from open play and set-pieces – and assists among all players in the Eredivisie.

Meanwhile, Til is a versatile forward who is their top scorer with 14 goals, which is already his best scoring season for PSV. He was given his first Netherlands call-up in 2018, but he has been out of the international picture since 2024. However, he has outscored all the forwards who were called up to the last squad - including Memphis Depay, Cody Gakpo, Noa Lang and Donyell Malen - this season.

PSV squad summary

The Dutch giants will be without star forward Ricardo Pepi, who broke his arm scoring against Excelsior. He had scored in six consecutive games before injury. Ismael Saibari (11 goals this season) played in the Afcon final and could be back in contention. Meanwhile, Ruben van Bommel - the son of former Dutch midfielder Mark van Bommel - is part of the squad.

Listen to commentary of Newcastle v PSV from 20:00 on Wednesday on BBC Radio 5 Live and BBC Sounds

Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe has been speaking to the media before Wednesday's Premier League game against PSV Eindhoven at St James' Park (kick-off 20:00 GMT).

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

• Neither Dan Burn nor Will Osula will make the PSV game, though both are making progress. When Burn returns, particularly, it will feel like a new signing because of their positional need.

• Howe noted that the team looks "much more like ourselves" since they had the only opportunity to train in recent months during the international break.

• On Sir Bobby Robson's values: "Hard work, good organisation, never giving up, trying to do the crowd justice, represent the club in the right way - we've been trying to live by those principles since day one."

• Howe said there was "no truth" in speculation that Newcastle want Brazilian forward Rayan.

• On Sven Botman: "He was an instant hit. His early form was magnificent in that first season. When he was at his very best level he was one of the best defenders in the Premier League, without a doubt. We really missed him and it took us a long time to adjust to being without him. It's a massive lift, having him back."

• On qualifying automatically from the league phase: "It's a massive incentive because it means less games in a season when we're being stretched."

• On PSV: "They've got different ideas. I like watching teams which are slightly out of the ordinary."

• On Champions League preparations: "There's a real stimulation and focus about this game, you can see it in the body language of the players. They want to do well in every competition, but there's a special feeling about this."

• On Anthony Gordon: "He has had some really high points this season, mainly in the Champions League, so he's a big player for us."

• On how team-mates can help Nick Woltemade and Yoane Wissa: "They both have standout qualities that will help us, whichever one we pick. All we can ask is that they give their absolute all, and the team needs to create moments for them to hopefully decide the game."

You can listen to Eddie Howe's presser in full on BBC Sounds

On Wednesday, you can listen to full commentary of Newcastle v PSV on BBC Radio 5 Live

Ciaran Kelly
Newcastle United reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Sometimes it is easy to forget just how much has changed at Newcastle United.

Eddie Howe's side are preparing to face PSV Eindhoven in the Champions League on Wednesday night.

But when Sven Botman joined the club in 2022, they had not long pulled away from relegation danger.

Newcastle have since gone on to end a 70-year wait for a major domestic trophy, and take a seat at Europe's top table on multiple occasions.

Botman, though, is far from satisfied.

"The trophy was really nice last season," the Dutchman said on Tuesday.

"We definitely want to have more trophies as well as setting a goal for ourselves to be in the Champions League spots every single season.

"That's what we aim for. With the group we have, that should be what we are achieving every season."

Botman signed a new long-term contract earlier this month, which head coach Eddie Howe described as "a really important" deal.

After losing Alexander Isak last summer, no-one at Newcastle needs reminding of the significance of tying down their key players.

Botman has had an injury-disrupted couple of years, but this is a defender who Howe rated as one of the best in the Premier League during his impressive first season at the club.

"It has been a tough few months for him because he has had difficult injury problems and setbacks and he has had to show real strength of character," he added.

"He has great qualities and we really missed him so to get him back was a massive lift.

"I think we are seeing signs of him getting back to his best levels and hopefully that can stay the same for many years to come."

Image source, Getty Images

Former Newcastle defender John Anderson says the recent performances of strikers Nick Woltemade and Yoanne Wissa is "a problem" for Magpies boss Eddie Howe.

Neither has registered a goal in all competitions yet in January, with the Magpies only mustering two shots on target in Sunday's goalless draw at Wolves in which Wissa replaced Woltemade after 67 minutes.

"I think Eddie has got a problem with his two forward players," Anderson told BBC Radio Newcastle. "The goals have dried up a bit for Woltemade.

"He had a few chances against Wolves but there were times he was coming deeper than the midfield players. You don't want that, you want him in advanced positions.

"He started like a house on fire and scored goals early on but they have dried up

"Wissa I feel for. He virtually had no pre-season, he went away with his national side and got injured and has been out for so long, and now he has been rushed back because needs must.

"It's alright saying he's fit but he's not match-sharp. He's had a couple of chances in recent games - including that one in the first half against Manchester City - where he's snatched at them.

"He needs a run of games to get match-fit. It's alright training but a match situation in the Premier League is a completely different scenario.

"They are two different types of forward players. The two goals Wissa has got are from in the six-yard box because he gambles on things and looks to get across defenders.

"Woltemade is the opposite. He likes to drop to the edge of the penalty area. Wide players are getting forward but he's pulled out, he doesn't want to get in there.

"I think Wissa will score goals with the more games he plays, you can see he's not at his sharpest.

"But, they are two totally different types of players. If you rotate them you're not going like-for-like because they play so differently. It's a problem for Eddie Howe and it won't get any easier with all the games coming up."

Listen to the full chat on BBC Sounds

Charlotte Robson
Fan writer

Image source, Getty Images

It's a weird Premier League season, isn't it? It has already surpassed last season's stalemate total, and we're only just over halfway through. Newcastle contributed to that statistic this weekend with a nil-nil draw at Wolves. A game for the ages it was not.

Whilst this result falls into a broader pattern in the league of dull draws, it also serves as an insight into Newcastle this season in general. Hindsight is 20/20, but our summer window looks increasingly poor. Injuries are leaving us exposed defensively. We are toothless in front of goal. This is all nothing new.

I know we don't want to talk about our striker and the impact his leaving had on the club, but it feels impossible to gloss over now. We wanted to ignore it and be excited about other signings.

Now we should be honest. Woltemade was, surely, a project player thrown in the deep end earlier than expected. He provided goals for us and enjoyed some success, and I think there's loads more to come from him.

The 29-year-old Wissa was, so we were told, supposed to be a second-choice striker. You can now see why, though I hope it's just a case of getting back up to speed post-injury.

Last week, Eddie Howe encouraged us to wrap our players in a big bundle of love (I'm paraphrasing, but it really wasn't far off this message).

Stone circle vibes aside, he's right. It does us no good at this point in the season to really dig out our players when they need backing and confidence. It's just difficult not to get frustrated with the quality of the games we're seeing.

I try to zoom out and remember we're still in the League Cup (just), still in the Champions League, and still in the FA Cup. All is not lost. It's just a bit hard to watch sometimes.

Find more from Charlotte Robson at the True Faith: Newcastle United Podcast, external

We asked for your thoughts after Saturday's Premier League game between Wolves and Newcastle.

Here are some of your comments:

Wolves fans

Will: We've certainly turned a corner. We are back to being competitive. Newcastle are a Champions League level team, so it's a good point and a fair result because the game was 50-50 . We look less error prone in defence and we now carry the attacking threat that was missing previously. It is largely down to Tolu Arokodare being fitter and the introduction of Mateus Mane. This has meant that Jhon Arias and Hwang Hee-chan have improved too. The damage has been done in the first half of the season but it looks like we will get some points during the rest of the season and maybe a cup run if we are lucky.

David: A workmanlike performance, just lacking a bit of composure with some straightforward passes going astray. But, we're proving to be more resilient and hard to beat than before Rob Edwards' arrival.

Chris: I like Edwards... but I don't know for the life of me why Jorgen Strand Larsen did not play the whole match. He obviously has a rapport with Mane. We could have won that match. Larsen has deft touches that the brawny midfielders do not have and it was he who threaded the pass to Mane to equalise at Everton. Larsen + Mane = perfect duo.

Jan: They're more organised and a bit more confident. The main target is not to go down with the lowest ever Premier League points tally.

Newcastle fans

Richard: Decided lack of quality from Newcastle. With the exception of Harvey Barnes, all our attacking options are off form. Credit to Wolves, who will take points off a lot of teams before the end of the season, but really we ought to be winning these games by the odd goal. This whole season is just us falling short everywhere.

Wayne: Starting to sound like a broken record here but it's Groundhog Day on the road. An absolutely appalling performance which took until the 85th minute before a shot on target and it was a very disappointing attacking display. Yoane Wissa, Nick Woltemade and Anthony Elanga just don't look like they are the right fit for our team and they haven't done enough from an attacking point. Eddie Howe needs to get something to change or we are in danger of finishing mid-table at best.

Davy: Toothless and pathetic. We are going backwards and are a million miles (and £1bn) away from being anywhere near a top team. Too many players are simply not good enough. The summer will see an exodus of class players to teams that will challenge for league titles and the Champions League. The owners don't know what to do. There are no plans for the stadium or training ground. No plan B when games are not going our way and coaches never change a game. Clear out and start again.

Graeme: Howe's position now needs sorting. He's keeping his job because of Champions League and cup runs. We seriously need a change.

Pundits Joe Hart and Ellen White join host Kelly Cates to bring you the action and talking points from Sunday's Premier League fixtures.

Watch on BBC iPlayer here

And listen back to full match commentaries on BBC Sounds:

• Wolves 0-0 Newcastle

• Aston Villa 0-1 Everton

Nick Mashiter
Football reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Woltemade's goal struggles will be a growing concern for Howe - and the striker's barren spell could dent Newcastle's Champions League hopes.

Just three goals in his past 19 games is not a total Woltemade or his manager would have expected after a goalscoring debut against Wolves in September.

The German scored five times in his first eight matches after a club record move from Stuttgart in an impressive start to life in the north east.

But that confidence has ebbed away and the 23-year-old was replaced by Wissa midway through the second half after another fruitless outing.

Woltemade was not given a great deal of service, but what he did have to work with he wasted - including a glancing first-half header which he may have done better with.

He still has seven goals in 19 appearances, but if he fails to re-find his shooting boots it will harm the Magpies' top-four chances.

Newcastle had scored seven goals in their past three league matches - all wins - before coming to Molineux, but with just one by a striker (Wissa's goal against Burnley).

The Magpies did not have a shot on target while Woltemade was on the pitch on Sunday - albeit a statistic he is not entirely responsible for - and will view a stalemate against the league's bottom side as a wasted opportunity.

However, Wolves have rediscovered their fight and a point in a forgettable match was a fair result, even if Newcastle will have reasons to be deflated.

Newcastle boss Eddie Howe speaking to BBC Match of the Day after the 0-0 draw with Wolves: "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."

Did you know?

• Newcastle United's pass completion rate in the first half against Wolves (94%) was the highest by any team in a half of football in the Premier League without recording a shot on target (on record since 2003-04).

Hear more from Howe on BBC Sounds

Listen to post-match reaction from Matthew Raisbeck and John Anderson

Whether you were at the game or following from elsewhere, we want to know what you learned.

Have your say on Wolves' performance

What did you make of Newcastle's display?

Come back on Monday for a selection of your replies

Wolves boss Rob Edwards makes just one change from their last Premier League game to face Newcastle.

Andre returns to replace Jhon Arias, who drops to the bench, following the 1-1 draw at Everton.

Former Newcastle target Jorgen Strand Larsen remains on the bench despite his hat-trick in the 6-1 FA Cup win over Shrewsbury last week.

Wolves XI: Sa, Tchatchoua, Mosquera, S Bueno, Krejci, H Bueno, Andre, J Gomes, Mane, Hwang, Arokodare

Subs: Johnstone, Lima, Doherty, Agbadou, Wolfe, Lopez, R Gomes, Arias, Strand Larsen

Nick Woltemade returns for Newcastle as Eddie Howe makes four changes at Molineux.

Kieran Trippier, Sandro Tonali and Harvey Barnes also start with Lewis Miley, Jacob Ramsey, Jacob Murphy and Yoane Wissa dropping to the bench following Tuesday's Carabao Cup semi-final first leg defeat to Manchester City.

Newcastle are chasing four straight Premier League wins for the first time since April 2025.

Newcastle XI: Pope, Trippier, Thiaw, Botman, Hall, Joelinton, Tonali, Guimaraes, Gordon, Barnes, Woltemade

Subs: Ramsdale, Wissa, Elanga, Willock, Murphy, Ramsey, Shahar, Neave, Miley.

There are two games in the Premier League on Sunday and BBC Sport will bring you every moment.

• Wolves v Newcastle (14:00) - listen on BBC Radio 5 Live

• Aston Villa v Everton (16:30) - listen on BBC Radio 5 Live

Kick-off times GMT

Follow Wolves v Newcastle here

And go here for Aston Villa v Everton

You can also listen to today's 5 Live Premier League commentaries on most smart speakers. Just say "ask BBC Sounds to play Wolves v Newcastle" or "ask BBC Sounds to play Aston Villa v Everton".

Find out more about how to listen to Premier League football on BBC Sounds

This is a tough one to call because Wolves will feel like they have a little bit of momentum at last, while I am wondering where Newcastle will get their energy from - and how many fit players they have got left.

Wolves are three games unbeaten in the league, including their first win of the season against West Ham, and they even looked like they were enjoying themselves when they beat Shrewsbury Town in the FA Cup - that has not happened very often at Molineux recently.

Newcastle have got a few players out, with Jacob Murphy the latest to be injured in their Carabao Cup defeat by Manchester City in midweek.

Eddie Howe's side have climbed to sixth on the back of three straight league wins, but after this they have a huge Champions League game with PSV Eindhoven on Wednesday - so it will be interesting to see what team he picks here.

Every game is important for Newcastle, but Howe will need to rest some players at some point. If he does it here, it could cost them. I've changed my mind a few times about the outcome of this one, but I am going to go for a draw.

Sutton's prediction: 1-1

Read the full predictions and have your say

Matt Jones
BBC Sport journalist

Newcastle United will be out to improve their poor Premier League away record on Sunday but need to tame an improving Wolves.

Newcastle had won four in a row before their 2-0 Carabao Cup semi-final first-leg loss to Manchester City on Tuesday. Back-to-back Premier League victories over Burnley and Leeds propelled them into sixth spot after 21 games.

Mane spearheading Wolves revival

Wolves still have a mountain to climb if they're to avoid relegation – they are 14 points away from safety – although they have made noticeable progress under Rob Edward. A 6-1 win over Shrewsbury Town in the FA Cup made it four unbeaten in all competitions.

While some shrewd tactical tweaks by Edwards have steadied Wolves, Mateus Mane establishing himself as a first-team player has been transformative to their fortunes.

The 18-year-old was on the bench for the FA Cup win, which probably indicates his new-found importance to their league campaign. He has started the past four Premier League games and scored in the last two in a row.

He is looking to become the latest player aged 18 and under to score in three consecutive Premier League games, a feat achieved by Michael Owen (twice, 1997 and 1998), Danny Cadamarteri (1997), Francis Jeffers (1999) and Mason Greenwood (2020).

While other teams have toiled after a heavy festive schedule, Wolves have played with a freshness in their last four games. Only Chelsea have made more changes to their starting XI this season (66) than the Molineux outfit, with Joao Gomes the only player in the squad to have started more than 18 games.

Newcastle on road to ruin?

Wolves are still bottom of the table though and for Newcastle this match represents a fine chance to improve their woes on the road. They have won just two Premier League away games all season and there are parts of the team still lacking balance.

Star forward Nick Woltemade has not scored in his last six appearances since the brace against Chelsea. The German has only started three of the last seven games in all competitions too, with Howe now able to call on the fully fit Yoane Wissa.

Newcastle, given their European commitments, are also feeling the wear and tear of the season. Tino Livramento is the latest first-team player in the treatment room after he suffered a hamstring problem in the FA Cup win over Bournemouth; Howe is without six other senior players this weekend.

These injury problems align with the physicality Newcastle play with. They have made 857 recovery runs – running back from the opposition half to their own to regain their defensive position – which is more than any other Premier League team. Joelinton has made 83 alone.

Flora Snelson
BBC Sport journalist

Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe has been speaking to the media before Sunday's Premier League game against Wolves at Molineux (kick-off 14:00 GMT).

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

• Fabian Schar had "successful" surgery on his ankle injury on Thursday and, while it is difficult to give a definitive date for his return, Howe believes it will be about three months.

• Howe is "desperately disappointed" for Tino Livramento whose "out of the blue" injuries have dented his international aspirations, and from whose versatility Newcastle would really benefit at the moment.

• There will probably be a period where Jacob Murphy will be out of action - another scan showed no serious problems.

• Will Osula will be training "imminently" and Dan Burn is "improving" as they continue their recoveries from injuries.

• Howe acknowledged the "fatigue" in their performance against Manchester City: "It don't think it was us at our physical absolute best, but I understand the load the players have been under."

• Howe said mixing up the team with respect to preventing fatigue is a "delicate balancing act" as there is a risk of losing rhythm.

• The game against bottom club Wolves is "massive", Howe said, for keeping up their momentum: "We need to make sure that we are mentally in our best place because this is such an important game and we can't take anybody lightly."

• On Anthony Elanga, he cited Joelinton and Anthony Gordon as examples of other players who have not immediately found their feet at the club: "He'll need a bit of time to find his best form, but I'm confident he'll get there."

• On January transfers: "It's very fluid. We're still in that watching, holding pattern."

• He added: "PSR is constantly changing because of our income. Lots of things affect our income. If there is money to spend, the club is willing to spend it. There's not a case of anyone holding anything back - but we have to comply with the [PSR] rules."

• On VAR: "I'm so torn. There's that innocence to a goal that I really like. Now whenever we score, my first thought is always 'is there something wrong with it?' and then you lose the instantaneous emotion that you get - and that's a real shame. I see the benefits of VAR, so I'm very much on the fence. I was initially very negative, but for the supporters - which for me are the most important part of the game - the game is much better without it."

• On Yoane Wissa who, amid a busy match schedule, has not had much of an opportunity to build fitness in training: "There's no substitute for a pre-season. He always gets himself into goalscoring positions, and over time we back him to score."

Listen to a portion of Howe's press conference on BBC Sounds

Listen to live commentary of Wolves v Newcastle on BBC Radio 5 Live from 14:00 GMT on Sunday

Follow all of Friday's Premier League news conferences and the rest of the day's football news