Newcastle United produced a dominant second-half performance to earn a 3-1 win over Nottingham Forest, denying the hosts a fourth consecutive Premier League victory for the first time in 29 years. Forest led at half-time thanks to a header from Murillo, but goals from Alexander Isak, Joelinton, and Harvey Barnes after the break secured a deserved win for Eddie Howe’s side.
The result lifts Newcastle United to eighth in the table, while Forest remain in third, but only a point separates the two teams in a tightly packed league.
Newcastle United had the better start to the game but were punished for failing to close down Murillo, who rose unchallenged to head in Anthony Elanga’s free-kick in the 21st minute. Murillo’s goal was a significant moment, as it was his first-ever senior goal, and he had confidently predicted to Forest staff that he would score against Newcastle.
Despite the early setback, the Magpies failed to capitalize on their possession in the first half and were unable to break down a solid Forest defense. Matz Sels made a crucial save to deny Dan Burn, but Newcastle couldn’t find a way past the Forest goalkeeper.
In the second half, Newcastle United came out with more intensity and were quickly back on level terms. Bruno Guimarães had already gone close before Isak fired home from a corner, with the ball ricocheting off the post after Chris Wood failed to clear Anthony Gordon’s delivery. Forest had been dangerous on the break, with Nick Pope denying Nicolas Dominguez earlier in the match, but Newcastle had taken control by the time Joelinton put them ahead in the 72nd minute. The Brazilian midfielder curled in a fine shot from the edge of the box to give the Magpies the lead.
Barnes, who came on as a substitute, sealed the win three minutes later, scoring a low finish to complete a quick counter-attack. The goal came after some excellent play from Gordon, who set up Barnes to wrap up the three points for Newcastle.
For Forest, this defeat was a reality check after a strong start to the season. Expectations had risen with each victory, and Sunday’s loss highlighted the limitations of Nuno Espírito Santo’s side. Chris Wood was largely quiet, while Morgan Gibbs-White was unable to influence the match. This was also the first time Forest had conceded three goals in a game this season, with defenders Murillo and Nikola Milenkovic struggling to contain the Newcastle attack.
Newcastle United Fight Back to End Nottingham Forest’s Winning Streak
Despite the setback, Forest remain in a strong position in the league, sitting third ahead of the international break. It has been an impressive start to the season for a team that battled relegation last year. However, their upcoming fixtures will offer a clearer picture of where they stand. Forest will face Arsenal, Manchester United, Manchester City, and Aston Villa after the break, which will provide a real test of their progress.
For Eddie Howe, the win was the perfect way to celebrate three years in charge of Newcastle United. It was their third consecutive victory, and with favorable fixtures against struggling West Ham and Crystal Palace after the international break, Newcastle’s prospects are looking much brighter. Howe’s side is now in a strong position to challenge for the top four once again, especially if Isak continues his excellent form after scoring in his fourth consecutive match.
With Arsenal and Aston Villa dropping points, Newcastle United hopes of returning to the Champions League are very much alive. The Magpies also face Liverpool, Brentford, Leicester, and Ipswich before Christmas, giving them an opportunity to build further momentum heading into the new year.
source – BBC
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