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Laurie Martin

'No better goal to steal the show' - National media verdict as Newcastle grab late draw at Wolves

Newcastle United kept their unbeaten Premier League record intact with a dramatic 1-1 draw against Wolves on Sunday.

The Magpies were staring a first defeat of the season in the face after Ruben Neves gave the hosts the lead, before Allan Saint-Maximin scored a stunning volley in the 90th minute to rescue a point for Newcastle. It was the Magpies' third consecutive draw in the league, but they arguably could have come away with more, but Elliot Anderson's late header struck the bar, before Fabian Schar struck a free-kick wide with the last kick of the match.

Here's how the national media saw the game, with plenty of praise for Saint-Maximin and Newcastle's character.

READ MORE: Aleksandar Isak poised for Newcastle United debut at Liverpool but Bruno Guimaraes a big doubt

'No better goal to steal the show'

Despite all the fanfare surrounding Alexander Isak's move to St James' Park, Nathan Salt of the Daily Mail believes Saint-Maximin showed why he can still be the jewel in Newcastle's crown.

He wrote: "As Newcastle’s shiny new signing watched this one from the stands, Allan Saint-Maximin sent a timely reminder that the jewel of their attack has been in their crown all along.

"Much is expected of Alexander Isak, the £60million club record signing that penned a six-year deal from Real Sociedad last week. Eddie Howe’s excitement at the striker’s potential led to him talking up the 22-year-old’s ‘X-factor’ ability during the week.

"Well there could have been no better goal to steal the show than the one Saint-Maximin scored here on the volley to rescue a draw."

Saint-Maximin 'capable of moments of genius'

Simon Stone of BBC Sport said: "This was not a point won by Newcastle in the same thrilling manner as last week against Manchester City. But it said so much about the character Eddie Howe has instilled in his squad.

"Even without new signing Alexander Isak - whose work permit is still to be processed, Callum Wilson and Bruno Guimaraes - both influential figures in last week's six-goal thriller against the champions - Newcastle still found a way to get something out of a game they struggled to influence for the first hour.

"Joe Willock was too slow to close down Neves for the Wolves opener and the visitors were passive in midfield. Yet they never let their heads drop and did not allow themselves to be overwhelmed in the way Newcastle teams of the past might have been. And, in Saint-Maximin, they have a player capable of moments of genius."

'Comeback proof of Newcastle's spirit'

With just two defeats in their last 12 Premier League matches, Richard Jolly of The Independent believes Newcastle's late goal showed their spirit.

He said: "As Eddie Howe was without his two premier strikers, with Callum Wilson injured and Isak awaiting a work permit, the Frenchman instead offered a reminder that, even in the darkest and dullest of days under Steve Bruce, he offered the prospect of entertainment. His goals may be too infrequent but a first of the season was memorable and magnificent, a sweetly-struck volley that flew past Jose Sa.

"It was almost followed by a winner, with a ferocious shot Sa parried and the young substitute Elliott Anderson hitting the bar still deeper into stoppage time. While depleted, with Bruno Guimaraes also sidelined, Newcastle were not defeated. A comeback felt proof of the spirit imbued by Howe, whose side have only lost two of their last 12 league games, and even then just to Manchester City and Liverpool."

Wolves 'relieved' to come away with a point

Although Wolves led for the majority of the game, Peter Lansley of The Guardian says the hosts were lucky to escape with a point after Newcastle bombarded their goal during stoppage-time.

He wrote: "For all the £200m worth of new talent these teams have acquired this summer, the enduring quality and importance of their goalscorers shone through after Allan Saint-Maximin’s brilliant late volley extended Newcastle United’s unbeaten start to the season.

"The French forward smashed home a memorable equaliser in the 89th minute, after Hwang Hee-Chan’s miscued attempted clearance fell his way on the edge of the penalty area. This left Wolves ruing their failure to convert more than one of their few but clearcut chances after Rúben Neves had given them the lead late in the first half with a superb goal of his own.

"Wolves are still seeking their first three points of the season but they were relieved to claim one after a hectic nine minutes of added time almost brought Newcastle a winner."

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