BRIGHTON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 02: Evan Ferguson of Brighton & Hove Albion celebrates after scoring the team's second goal during the Premier League match between Brighton & Hove Albion and Newcastle United at American Express Community Stadium on September 02, 2023 in Brighton, England. (Photo by Steve Bardens/Getty Images)
Paul Merson compares ‘unbelievable’ Wolves star to Lionel Messi during Newcastle United defeat.
One Wolves star is being raved about despite the Old Gold losing late against Newcastle United.
It was a game of two halves for Wolves, or more of a game of four quarters as Gary O’Neil’s side crumbled late against Newcastle.
The Old Gold’s 1-0 lead was overturned in a matter of five minutes, as two wonder strikes from the visitors unpicked the host’s hard work.
Defeat was the last thing that Wolves needed given the difficulty of the Premier League fixtures ahead although, there should be a feeling of optimism despite the loss.
Joao Gomes earns high praise from Paul Merson despite Newcastle defeat
The high point from the fixture from a Wolves point of view was Mario Lemina’s goal, as the captain finished off a sublime move.
First, Joao Gomes won the ball in midfield, allowing Matheus Cunha to carry and then play in Jorgen Strand Larsen on the right side.
The striker held the ball up expertly before crossing into Lemina’s path, with a moment of magic coming from Gomes in the box without the Brazilian needing to touch the ball.
Gomes’ dummy before Lemina’s strike put Newcastle’s defence under his spell, resulting in Paul Merson firing high praise in the midfielder’s direction.
Reacting to the goal on Sky Sports’ coverage of the match, Merson formed a comparison between Gomes and Lionel Messi in that moment.
“That is unbelievable,” Merson said when applauding Gomes.
“If Messi did that we’d be going mad. Everything about it is phenomenal.”
Wolves were unfortunate to lose against Newcastle
Even Newcastle would have left Molineux feeling fortunate to have won the game, as Wolves put in an exceptional shift in a bid to win.
Missed chances and two sensational strikes were the difference between the two sides, as the Old Gold’s search for their first win of the season goes on.
