Champions League is draining Newcastle's energy: Tired Magpies surrender the lead twice to battling Wolves

Newcastle United's involvement in the UEFA Champions League was always going to be a demanding task for Eddie Howe's team - and their performances in the Premier League are suffering as a result. After the Magpies recently surrendered the 2-1 lead to only draw at West Ham, the same happened on Saturday night on the trip to Wolverhampton.

Howe's difficult week continued as his players twice surrendered a lead and extended their poor record against Wolves with six winless away matches. Newcastle, coming off a midweek defeat to Borussia Dortmund, began the game strongly and took the lead in the 22nd minute when Callum Wilson scored a spectacular overhead kick.

However, Wolves equalized 15 minutes later when Mario Lemina headed in at the back post. Newcastle controversially took the lead again just before half-time from the penalty spot, with Wilson converting the penalty after a disputed foul on Fabian Schar. The decision angered Wolves fans, and the first half ended with a chorus of boos for the referee.

In the second half, Hwang Hee-chan, who had been involved in the penalty decision against his side, scored the equalizer for Wolves, visibly relieved by his goal. Newcastle pushed for a late winner but missed a chance when Kieran Trippier's cross found Schar, who hit the side netting with his header. A Sean Longstaff effort also failed to trouble Wolves' goalkeeper.

The match ended as a 2-2 draw, and it was seen as two points dropped for Newcastle, who had ambitions of qualifying for the UEFA Champions League. Injuries to several key players and the suspension for Sandro Tonali are starting to take toll on the Magpies' results.

PREMIER LEAGUE - MATCHDAY 10

Friday

Crystal Palace - Tottenham 1-2 (0-0)

/Ayew 90+4 - Ward 53, Son 66/

Saturday

Chelsea - Brentford 0-2 (0-0)

/Pinnock 58, Mbuemo 90+6/

Arsenal - Sheffield United 5-0 (1-0)

/Nketiah 28, 51, 58, Vieira 88 pen, Tomiyasu 90+6/

Bournemouth - Burnley 2-1 (1-1)

/Semenyo 22, Billing 76 - Taylor 11/

Wolverhampton Wanderers - Newcastle United 2-2 (1-2)

/Lemina 36, Hwang 71 - Wilson 22, 45+4 pen/

Sunday

15:00: (2.10) West Ham (3.45) Everton (3.50)

16:00: (1.28) Aston Villa (5.90) Luton (9.50)

16:00: (1.55) Brighton (4.40) Fulham (6.50)

16:00: (1.28) Liverpool (5.90) Nott.Forest (9.50)

17:30: (5.50) Man.Utd. (3.70) Man.City (1.67)

***odds are subject to change***