Malick Thiaw hails vital away clean sheet as Newcastle eye decisive phase

Malick Thiaw admitted Newcastle United lacked sharpness in the final third during their goalless draw away to Wolverhampton Wanderers, but stressed the importance of finally securing a clean sheet on the road.

The Magpies were held to a 0–0 stalemate at Molineux, failing to break down a deep-lying Wolves side, yet the result marked their first away clean sheet since September — a milestone Thiaw believes could prove important as the decisive phase of the season approaches.

Newcastle United dominated possession for long spells but found clear chances hard to come by against a disciplined Wolves defence.

“It was a really tough game,” Thiaw said. “Wolverhampton defended really low, with a low block, and it was difficult to create something. The last touch, the last moment, was missing a bit today to win the game.”

The Germany international felt Newcastle should still expect more of themselves in those situations.

“We have to analyse what we can do better because it can happen that an opponent just stays deep. I think we still have the quality to create something.”

Despite the frustration in attack, Thiaw highlighted the defensive positives from the afternoon.

“The clean sheet was really important for us. We have to keep going like this and hopefully there are more clean sheets to come.”

It was Newcastle’s first shutout away from home in several months and a welcome boost as they continue to juggle domestic and European commitments.

Thiaw was keen to place the draw in context, pointing to Newcastle’s recent Premier League results.

“I think we should be disappointed in the result but we shouldn’t take it too far because we took ten points out of 12 in the last games of the Premier League.”

With the club still competing in three cup competitions and firmly in the top-four race, Thiaw believes consistency will be crucial.

“We’re still in the race. We’re now in the middle of the season — soon, the prime time is coming. Right now, this time of the season is really important.”

Attention now shifts to European action, with Newcastle set to host PSV Eindhoven in the Champions League.

“It’s been a long time since we played Champions League, so we’re really looking forward to playing again at home — and hopefully with a win.”

Newcastle return to European action midweek as PSV visit St James’ Park, before attention turns back to the Premier League push for a top-four finish.

Can Newcastle turn defensive solidity into sharper attacking output as the season reaches its defining phase?