Newcastle dominated possession in the early stages, pinning the Forest players deep in their own half. The Magpies had a host of chances, with the first falling to Joe Willock, who skied an effort from just a few yards out after some neat build-up play from Jacob Murphy. Kieran Trippier, the player who has created the most chances in all the Premier League this season displayed just why he is at the top of that list, exquisitely picking out Alexander Isak from a set-piece, and the Swedish striker’s shot deflected off three Forest players before coming back off the crossbar.
Despite total dominance from the away side, it was Forest who took the lead from out of nowhere. A long ball up the pitch was poorly dealt with by Sven Botman, allowing Emmanuel Dennis to pounce and whilst still under pressure, he expertly chipped Nick Pope. Falling behind didn’t faze the Toon though, who continued to pepper the Forest goal and this time Sean Longstaff saw his shot come off the crossbar in what looked like it was going to be a frustrating night for the visitors. However, on the stroke of HT, Willock made amends for his early miss by picking out Isak in the box, whose volley went in-off the post to send the side into the break on level terms.
The Magpies picked up right where they left off in the second half, producing wave after wave of attacks on the Forest goal, and Keylor Navas had to be on his toes to deny Elliott Anderson’s stinging volley. Anderson thought he had put his side in front just after the hour mark in what would have been his first ever goal for the Toon but after a lengthy VAR review, it was ruled out for an offside in the build-up.
Forest were buoyed by the decision and the momentum swung their way for the remainder of the match, but the home side failed to capitalise and in the end they were made to pay after Moussa Niakhaté handled the ball in the box, resulting in a stoppage-time penalty for the away side. Isak stepped up and slotted the spot kick away, and sealed a vital three points in Newcastle United’s pursuit for the top-four. Steve Cooper’s side are now just two points above the relegation places going into the international break.
Flashscore Man of the Match: Alexander Isak (Newcastle United)
