Newcastle United’s Christmas crackers

Yoan Gouffran vs Wolves (September 20)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-IXlUOsm0sI

The Magpies have scored some excellent goals in the Championship this season, with Jonjo Shelvey’s strike against QPR and Dwight Gayle’s finishing touches to an excellent team goal against Leeds deserving of mention, yet Yoan Gouffran’s volley against Wolves is as good as any.

The Frenchman has been a key part of Newcastle’s fine start to the Championship season, but it was in their League Cup clash with Wolves where he produced a stunning volley.

Matt Ritchie, who had scored just minutes before, broke away down the right and stuck up a cross towards the back stick, where the onrushing Gouffran took the defender by surprise by unleashing an unstoppable volley past the stranded Andy Lonergan.

It helped seal their place in the fourth round of the competition, and also helped Gouffran nail down a regular place in Benitez’s side.