Nottingham Forest are currently operating at a level that Newcastle United aspire to reach. Just two years ago, it was Eddie Howe’s Newcastle side that was disrupting the dominance of the metropolitan elite. This season, Nuno Espírito Santo’s Forest have been the provincial team exceeding expectations, but Newcastle, now only a point behind Forest, demonstrated their ability to compete at this elevated level.
A second-half comeback, featuring three superb goals, showcased Newcastle’s resilience. Alexander Isak’s opportunistic strike, Joelinton’s stunning long-range effort, and Harvey Barnes’s decisive finish, assisted by Sandro Tonali, forced Forest fans to head for the exits. In a season where traditional powerhouses are struggling to maintain their usual supremacy, there are parallels between the emerging contenders.
Evangelos Maranakis, Forest’s owner, is a force to be reckoned with, possessing the ambition and ruthlessness of any autocratic leader. Nuno, his manager, exudes a quiet diplomacy and a steely determination akin to Howe’s. Some familiar faces are also present; Chris Wood, a former Newcastle player, has shown his worth at a higher level this season.
After defeating Arsenal with a defensive masterclass and counter-attacks, Newcastle had to adopt a more aggressive approach in the first half against Forest. Despite their physicality and aggression, Newcastle struggled to gain control. On the sidelines, Jason Tindall, Howe’s assistant, added fuel to the fire. Referee Anthony Taylor, unpopular in Nottingham, faced early criticism for his delayed booking of Dan Burn.
The first half was intense, with Joe Willock and Anthony Gordon playing pivotal roles for Newcastle. Forest, relying on counter-attacks and set-pieces, scored through Murillo, who netted his first professional goal. Mats Sels, another former Newcastle player, made crucial saves to keep his team in the game.
In the second half, Newcastle’s Gordon switched to the left, sparking a renewed offensive. Bruno Guimarães and Sean Longstaff tested Sels, while Isak’s efforts were thwarted by Murillo. Despite Forest’s counter-attack threats, Newcastle gradually took control, with Isak and Joelinton scoring to secure the victory.
Nuno made his first substitutions, introducing Elliot Anderson and Jota Silva, who added energy to the Newcastle attack. Anderson, a player Howe did not want to lose, was warmly received. As Newcastle continued to dominate, the atmosphere among Forest fans turned anxious, eventually giving way to defeatism.
Isak’s volley and Joelinton’s decisive shot sealed the win, leaving Barnes to complete Newcastle’s impressive comeback and dash Forest’s ambitions.
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