In a pulsating matchup, Newcastle United overcame an early setback to clinch a 3-1 victory over Nottingham Forest.
The hosts took the lead in the 21st minute with a well-executed header from Murillo, capitalizing on a well-placed free kick by Anthony Elanga. Nottingham seemed to carry the momentum through the first half, holding Newcastle at bay with resolute defending and confident possession. Newcastle’s attempts to break through were thwarted as the home side maintained a compact defensive structure, forcing Eddie Howe’s men to patiently wait for opportunities.
However, the turning point arrived in the second half, when Newcastle started to exploit gaps in Nottingham’s defense. The equalizer came in the 54th minute as Alexander Isak pounced on a rebound, slotting the ball low into the net after a VAR review upheld the goal. Isak’s strike gave Newcastle the confidence to push forward, and from that point, the Magpies began to dictate the tempo, seeking to turn the game in their favor.
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Newcastle’s dominance was further evident in the 72nd minute when Joelinton found the net with a superb finish off the post. Displaying his trademark flair, he maneuvered through Nottingham’s defenders and unleashed a powerful shot to make it 2-1. The goal marked a significant shift in the game, with Nottingham struggling to regain their composure under the growing pressure from Newcastle’s midfield.
Despite Nottingham’s efforts to rally, Newcastle’s relentless pursuit of a third goal paid off in the 83rd minute. Harvey Barnes, who had recently come on as a substitute, made an immediate impact by scoring with a precise shot into the bottom corner. His goal sealed Newcastle’s comeback and effectively dashed any hopes Nottingham had of equalizing.
While Nottingham created some late chances, including a close long-range attempt from Murillo, their efforts fell short. The visitors managed the game well in the closing minutes, securing a hard-fought win that saw them move up in the standings. The win showcased Newcastle’s resilience and depth, as substitutes like Barnes and Sandro Tonali played crucial roles in turning the game around.
Nottingham, meanwhile, showed early promise but ultimately struggled to maintain their defensive structure as the game wore on. The loss highlighted areas for improvement, particularly in maintaining focus and intensity over the full 90 minutes.
