Newcastle United claimed an impressive 3-1 away victory at the City Ground, bouncing back from a halftime deficit to defeat high-flying Nottingham Forest.
The Magpies’ second-half surge, led by Alexander Isak, Joelinton, and substitute Harvey Barnes, proved too much for Forest to handle.
Eddie Howe’s side demonstrated resilience and tactical adjustments, climbing to eighth place in the Premier League with this crucial win.
Both teams started the game with high intensity, setting a fast pace in an evenly contested first half. Nottingham Forest, currently in the top three of the Premier League, displayed confidence and energy, reflecting their recent form.
Newcastle, meanwhile, looked to counter the hosts’ momentum, utilizing Alexander Isak’s movement and Anthony Gordon’s pressing on the wings.
The breakthrough for Forest came in the 23rd minute. Anthony Elanga’s precise free-kick cross found Brazilian defender Murillo, who rose above Newcastle’s defenders to head the ball powerfully past goalkeeper Nick Pope.
This marked Murillo’s first goal for Forest, ending a 47-game wait and putting the hosts 1-0 up. Newcastle, despite a few threatening chances, were unable to find an equalizer before halftime, struggling to match Forest’s defensive organization.
ALSO READ:
- Manchester City Stumble Again: Brighton Hand Guardiola’s Men Fourth Straight Loss
- Ipswich Town’s First Premier League Victory Sealed with 2-1 Upset of Spurs
Second-Half Resurgence: Isak Sparks Newcastle Comeback
After the break, Newcastle emerged with renewed energy and determination. Eddie Howe’s adjustments proved effective as the Magpies pressed higher up the pitch, adapting well to Forest’s high-tempo play. In the 54th minute, Newcastle found their breakthrough from a set piece.
Forest’s defense failed to clear a corner, and the ball dropped to Alexander Isak, who fired a low shot off the left post to level the score at 1-1. This was Isak’s fourth goal of the season, reinforcing his importance in Newcastle’s attack.
Joelinton and Barnes Seal the Victory
With the score tied, Newcastle began to exploit Forest’s defensive gaps, particularly on the counter-attack. In the 72nd minute, Newcastle’s counter-press paid off as they moved the ball quickly through midfield.
Isak fed the ball to Joelinton, who cut inside from the right and curled a brilliant shot off the left post to put Newcastle ahead. This stunning strike marked Joelinton’s second goal of the season, giving Newcastle a crucial 2-1 lead.
The visitors weren’t done yet. Harvey Barnes, who entered the game as a substitute for the injured Gordon, added a third goal in the 83rd minute. Newcastle’s rapid counter-attack left Forest’s defense exposed, and after a series of quick passes, Barnes cut in from the left to unleash a powerful shot past goalkeeper Matz Sels. This goal provided a comfortable cushion for Newcastle, allowing them to see out the game and secure a 3-1 victory.
Newcastle’s Tactical Brilliance
This comeback victory highlighted Newcastle’s tactical adaptability and depth. Eddie Howe’s side showed resilience in bouncing back from a 1-0 halftime deficit, with Howe’s changes and substitutions making a significant impact.
The Magpies’ ability to capitalize on Forest’s defensive errors was key, as they displayed sharp finishing and well-executed counter-attacks. Newcastle outperformed their xG (expected goals) of 1.56, while Forest struggled to convert, with only a 0.58 xG indicating limited chances created by the hosts.
Newcastle’s midfield trio of Bruno Guimaraes, Sandro Tonali, and Sean Longstaff controlled much of the second half, disrupting Forest’s attacks and launching quick counters. Their organized pressing forced turnovers, allowing forwards like Isak and Joelinton to exploit spaces. The defense, led by Fabian Schar and Dan Burn, was solid in the face of Forest’s initial pressure and showed resilience after Murillo’s opener.
Nottingham Forest’s Missed Opportunities
Despite their positive start, Nottingham Forest struggled to build on Murillo’s goal. Forest’s attack, led by Chris Wood and supported by Morgan Gibbs-White and Callum Hudson-Odoi, lacked precision in the final third.
They failed to take advantage of several promising situations, with Wood unable to register a single touch in Newcastle’s box. This lack of cutting edge, combined with Newcastle’s defensive resilience, kept Forest from mounting a serious second-half challenge.
Kieran McKenna’s men will be disappointed with their lack of composure in the latter stages. Forest’s 0.58 xG underscores their struggle to create high-quality chances against Newcastle’s organized backline. The defeat keeps them in third place, but they may need to address these offensive issues to maintain their strong position in the Premier League.
Key Players: Isak, Joelinton, and Barnes Shine for Newcastle
Alexander Isak’s performance was instrumental in turning the game around. His equalizer energized his team and set the stage for Joelinton and Barnes to capitalize on Forest’s defensive lapses. Isak’s pace and composure under pressure were crucial for the visitors, while Joelinton’s stunning strike provided Newcastle with a much-needed boost.
Harvey Barnes also made a significant impact off the bench. His goal not only secured the win but demonstrated his attacking instincts and ability to perform in crucial moments. Barnes’ presence off the bench adds depth to Newcastle’s attacking options, a valuable asset as they navigate the demanding Premier League season.
