Chris Wood scored a hat trick as Nottingham Forest surged back to beat Newcastle 3-1 at St James’ Park as Nuno Espirito Santo is off and running.
Newcastle went ahead through an Alexander Isak penalty kick but Forest were ruthless on the counter attack as Wood finished off two of Elanga’s crosses and then slotted home his treble after a fine pass from Murillo.
The win was Nuno Espirito Santo’s first as Forest boss, while Newcastle have now lost six of their last seven games in all competitions as Eddie Howe’s side are slumping severely.
Nottingham Forest have 17 points and have given themselves breathing space above the relegation zone, while Newcastle lose more ground in the top four race and are on 29 points.
Ragged Newcastle forget to do the basics
Newcastle United have lost six of their last seven games in all competitions and even though they have so many injuries to deal with the lack of organization is a huge shock. Eddie Howe’s side have been solid as a rock since he took charge but Newcastle stopped doing the basics against Nottingham Forest. They were flooding forward but there was no defensive shape whenever Forest won it back and they were ripped apart on the counter before and after half time. The home fans were stunned as a few boos rang out on the full time whistle and Newcastle’s season has spiralled out of control quickly. Yes, there are injuries but Newcastle shouldn’t have capitulated like they have done in recent weeks. They are trying to play the same swashbuckling style instead of being solid and grinding out wins and Newcastle need to regain that hunger, intensity and solidity and go back to basics. With games against Liverpool and Manchester City coming up next Newcastle will need to be much better defensively in those games, and early in 2024, otherwise their faint top four hopes will be totally over.
Newcastle vs Nottingham Forest player ratings
Via our friends at FotMob.com, Wood had an incredible day and so did Elanga to set up so many chances on the counter. Morgan Gibbs-White was also influential in midfield, while Isak and Almiron did their best to get Newcastle back in the game but couldn’t do it all on their own.
What’s next?
Newcastle head to Liverpool on Monday, Jan. 1, while Forest host Manchester United on Saturday, Dec. 30.
How to watch Newcastle vs Nottingham Forest live, stream link and start time
Kick off: 7:30am ET, Tuesday (December 26)
TV Channel: USA Network
Online: Stream online via NBCSports.com
Newcastle vs Nottingham Forest live updates! - By Joe Prince-Wright
Full time: Newcastle 1-3 Nottingham Forest
Chris Wood’s treble did the damage as Newcastle ran out of steam and Forest were well-organized defensively and clinical on the counter.
Scramble ensues as Newcastle push hard
Matt Turner makes a really good stop down low and Niakhate blocks Wilson’s shot on the line. Newcastle want a handball but the ball clearly hit Niakhate’s shoulder.
Incredible end-to-end game now
Elanga has a chance on the counter, then Isak has a shot after a mazy run at the other end which is blocked. Incredible game.
Hat trick for Chris Wood! He stays onside and slots home calmly - Newcastle 1-3 Nottingham Forest (60th minute)
What a lovely finish from Wood. A ball over the top finds Wood just onside and is in on goal, takes it around Dubravka with his right foot and finishes with his left. That is his second Premier League hat trick. Newcastle are stunned. Wood is on fire.
Chris Wood with a lovely finish as Forest turn things around - Newcastle 1-2 Nottingham Forest (53rd minute)
What a finish this is. Elanga sets Wood away on the counter and the ref plays advantage after Elanga is clattered. Wood has so much to do but beats his man and then dinks a lovely finish into the far corner. What a return to St James’ Park for Wood and Newcastle are in big trouble.
Big chance for Gibbs-White, then Danilo
Forest should be ahead right at the start of the second half. Elanga’s cross finds Gibbs-White in the box but his headers if off target. Moments later Aina is played in on the counter and his cross is almost bundled into his own net by Almiron, then Burn blocks Danilo’s shot but the ball was said to be out on the cross. Forest are flying. Newcastle are really struggling to stop these counters.
Half time: Newcastle 1-1 Nottingham Forest
Well, that first half took a while to warm up but we have ourselves quite the game now. Forest have recovered well after Isak’s penalty kick and look really dangerous on the counter with Elanga and goalscorer Wood causing all kinds of problems. This is set up perfectly for the second half.
Good double save from Matt Turner
Just before half time Matt Turner saves twice from close range to keep out Newcastle as he just got in front of Almiron on the rebound as Newcastle looked certain to retake the lead.
Chris Wood equalizes right on half time - Newcastle 1-1 Nottingham Forest (46th minute)
Forest had been building momentum and this counter attack leads in a goal. Morgan Gibbs-White surges forward and finds Elanga who cuts it back for former Newcastle striker Chris Wood to slot home. Newcastle will be kicking themselves, while that equalizer will give Nuno Espirito Santo and Forest and a huge boost heading into the break.
Big chance for Forest
A long throw from the left is flicked on and Anthony Elanga prods the ball towards goal from six yards out but it squirms wide. Moments later Elanga races free and with Chris Wood on his left he should square it but instead goes for glory and Martin Dubravka saves.
Alexander Isak slots home - Newcastle 1-0 Nottingham Forest (23rd minute)
That is a calm penalty kick from Isak as he sent Turner one way and then went the other and just beat his outstretched arm. Isak now has 10 goals on the season in all competitions and Newcastle have the lead their early pressure warranted.
Penalty kick to Newcastle
Alexander Isak is clipped by Aina after a lovely reverse pass from Miley. There is contact but was it enough for Isak to go down like that? VAR is checking... and it is confirmed.
The hosts have woken up
After an early chance which Morgan Gibbs-White, the hosts have started brightly at a sunny St James’ Park and are dominating. They are whipping in crosses and it seems like USMNT goalkeeper Matt Turner is going to be very busy for Nottingham Forest today. The away side have yet to get going aside from a few decent runs on the counter.
Newcastle lineup
Dubravka; Trippier, Botman, Schar, Burn; Miley, Guimaraes, Longstaff; Almiron, Isak, Gordon.
Nottingham Forest lineup
Turner; Montiel, Niakhate, Murillo, Aina; Danilo, Sangare; Hudson-Odoi, Gibbs-White, Elanga; Wood
Focus on Newcastle, team news
OUT: Sandro Tonali (suspension), Nick Pope (shoulder), Harvey Barnes (foot), Matt Targett (thigh), Jacob Murphy (shoulder), Elliot Anderson (back), Javi Manquillo (groin), Joe Willock (achilles) | QUESTIONABLE: Joelinton (thigh), Jamaal Lascelles (undisclosed), Emil Krafth (shin)
Focus on Nottingham Forest, team news
OUT: Taiwo Awoniyi (groin) | QUESTIONABLE: Ibrahim Sangare (adductor), Felipe (undisclosed), Serge Aurier (calf)