A brilliant result and performance from Eddie Howe’s Mags, who battled back from a 1-0 deficit to make it three wins on the spin in all competitions against an in-form Nottingham Forest side.
A first-half header from Murillo, some awful refereeing from Anthony Taylor and our failure to capitalise on early dominance sent us into the break 1-0 down, but we showed our class and fighting spirit in the second half as Alexander Isak, Joelinton and Harvey Barnes found the net in our first away win since Wolves in September.
It feels like a massive win in the context of our season, as we not only built on recent wins over Chelsea and Arsenal but delivered a much-needed 90-minute performance away from home. Patience and persistence paid off, as we scored as many in the final 45 minutes as Forest had conceded at home all season (3) before today’s game.
The result sends us up to 8th, level on points with 5th and above Aston Villa and Spurs; who suffered a shock defeat to newly promoted Ipswich in today’s other 2pm kick-off.
Joelinton was a monster all over the pitch – he played down both flanks and his finish was superb – Isak made it four goals in four, our full-backs were impressive once again and Bruno pulled the strings, with Willock also a menace in a first half we dominated despite falling behind. A big team effort and such a brilliant win against tough opposition.
NUFC XI: Pope, Livramento, Schar, Burn, Hall, Bruno, Longstaff, Willock, Gordon, Joelinton, Isak.
SUBS: Dubravka, Tonali, Barnes, Targett, Osula, J.Murphy, Almiron, Kelly, Miley.
In what was probably his easiest team selection of the season so far, it was no surprise to see Howe name an unchanged side, sticking by the 11 who helped us to a 1-0 win over Arsenal last Saturday.
There were two changes on the bench, however, Emil Krafth and Alex Murphy were replaced by Matt Targett and Jacob Murphy. Hopefully Krafth’s exclusion is nothing serious ahead of the upcoming international break.
Just one minute in, we had Lewis Hall to thank for a superb early block, with the 20-year-old doing superbly to stop Chris Wood’s goal-bound shot from close range. A fortunate escape after a cheap free-kick given away by Joelinton.
Some awful (and costly) refereeing from Anthony Taylor then followed. The referee failed to punish Ryan Yates’ careless elbow on Tino Livramento, not only denying us a free-kick and Forest an early yellow, but allowing a counter attack that got Dan Burn booked for a blatant trip on Gibbs-White. To rub salt in the wounds, that booking means he’ll now be suspended for our home clash with West Ham two weeks on Monday.
Shortly after Willock fired an effort wide, the midfielder did brilliantly down the left to create space in the box and pick out Gordon at the back post, but the winger couldn’t keep down his volley which flew well over Sels’ goal.
That miss was soon punished, as Forest took the lead just after the 20-minute mark. Willock gave away the free kick for a trip on Aina and centre-back Murillo headed in the resultant delivery. Awful marking and such a cheap goal to concede.
1-0 Forest and work to do, although we immediately got back on the front as Bruno tested Sels with an edge of the box effort. Willock and Hall were linking up effectively down our left and Joelinton was seeing plenty of the ball, although the same couldn’t be said for Gordon down our right, who was on the fringe of the game half an hour in.
Some good work from Hall, Joelinton and Longstaff then worked another opening, this time for Burn, who saw his effort beaten away by Sels. Cheap goal aside, we’d made a decent start, causing Forest problems – especially down our left – and enjoying over 65% of the ball with just 10 minutes of the first half remaining.
Willock had been the stand out player, Bruno looked at it and Hall was sharp once again. In contrast, our right-hand side had to offer a bit more, with Gordon, Livramento, Longstaff and Schar all a little loose in possession at times, killing attacks and allowing Forest to counter. We also needed a bit more from Isak; a big player who, like Gordon, needs to offer more on the road.
Yates got away with another couple of nasty tackles without a booking, taking out Longstaff and then Gordon with zero card from Anthony Taylor; who also waved penalty claims from Willock and Isak before Joelinton and Gibbs-White clashed off the ball.
The first half was so frustrating. We looked the better side, dominated the ball and created a few half chances, but we were poor from set pieces – at both ends – and missing that bit of magic in the final third after some good patters of play. Too many crosses also came to nothing, with just ONE of 17 first half deliveries finding a black and white shirt.
We started the second 45 on the front foot and went within a whisker of equaliser as Bruno’s curling outside of the foot effort went just over, but we finally got the goal we deserved and it was that man Isak who made it four in four. Gordon took the corner, Longstaff got first contact and it fell to the Swede, who slotted home from close range via the post. 1-1!
Forest came back into it and had their moments on the counter, but it was a Newcastle breakaway that should’ve made it 2-1 as Willock’s cross was volleyed wide by Isak, but we soon made up for it. Another counter as Isak fed Joelinton, who resisted Tino’s overlapping run before cutting inside and firing a left-footed effort in off the post! A brilliant finish past former Mag Sels and well-deserved turnaround as big Joe gave it large in front of a joyous away end. 2-1!
Howe had brought on Sandro Tonali for a tiring Willock and a second change followed. Gordon went down holding his groin after sprinting back to stop a Forest counter and Harvey Barnes came on for the final 10 minutes.
The former Leicester man had a big role to play and it didn’t take him long to have an instant impact. Fed by Tonali, who led our latest break, Barnes cut in from the left and caught Sels by surprise, firing a low effort in at the near post to score that all important third. 3-1 Newcastle and it felt like game, set and match to ease any late nerves. It could’ve been four in stoppage time, but Barnes couldn’t keep his effort down after racing clear down the left.
Next up, a home clash with West Ham two weeks on Monday when we return from yet another international break. Howay the lads!
Great write up Olly. Good win in the end, despite the shockingly poor refereeing. Well deserved in the end.
Gilly Toon(Quote)
Great result and performance.
Initially I couldn’t figure out if nufc were in control or falling for forests plan but the answer was very obvious as the game developed and nufc dominated. Sloppy goal aside nufc were very assured with three good goals.
Just how that 5h1tiest of 5h1tes, yates, was still on the field at half time after a straight red and two yellow offences im not sure. He then professionally fouled isak and hoofed the ball down the field so two more yellows. Lots of plaudits for joelinton, but I thought guimaraes was excellent today.
Ooh and nah to Elanga.. no end product even if he did manage a couple of brief forays out of Hall’s pocket
Jonesy(Quote)
So everyone recognises Isak, Gordon and Bruno as our ‘key’ players – and they are obviously excellent.
BUT!! …. yesterday Joelinton proved he is a player we simply can’t do without. The fact he started on the left and then switched to the right and was just as effective – the lad is an absolute colossus!!
He’s like a cheat code. Howe has a problem, hoy Joelinton in there – fixed 🤷🏼♂️.
Sharpy17(Quote)
you got it in one Sharpy
icedog(Quote)
I normally dismiss bleating about refs as excuses but Sunday felt different.
The commentary that longstaff did Yates a favour by not going down when the 5h1te assaulted him is really annoying.
FFS it’s no surprise players make a fuss when touched even lightly when officials and var especially ignore such obvious dangerous fouls. And don’t get me started about the look and then deliberate elbow on livramento.
Oh and they really need to start introducing retrospective punishments coz with clowns like Taylor officiating it’s going to continue to happen
Jonesy(Quote)
Well said, completely agree, I was raging at my tv on Sunday.
kimtoon(Quote)
Yep, he is a mainstay for me mate.
kimtoon(Quote)
Im scratching around 😉 but I guess the good point of this is it gave nufc a chance to show how good they can be and how resilient they are to overcome adversity.
If forest had been down to 10 men very early, we’d all be wondering if nufc were actually good in that game
Jonesy(Quote)
One thing I’m enjoying is the debate around impact subs, esp’ Barnes and tonali.
Not because I have a very strong opinion, altho’ Gordon is better than Barnes and tonali is better than guimaraes (but guimaraes is more important to nufc right now) IMO.
Rather, it’s fab to see the debate being which is best and can move the team forward as opposed to which is least worst coz the team are scratching for answers (as thats mostly what debates on subs have been).
I would also add that I think the wide player debate is more about joelinton/ Barnes with Gordon a definite starter. That choice comes down to how nufc want to play a specific opponent .
Anyways, along with the unquestioned talent of hall and livramento, that summer window is now showing its worth .. it’s just taken a bit longer than hoped to bed in for well documented reasons
Jonesy(Quote)
Hall did well when he came on for England. We have two incredible full backs with many years ahead of them.
Gilly Toon(Quote)
Tonali scores for Gli Azzurri. Forza Sandro
Jonesy(Quote)
Aah, manc have initiated hostilities again about APT with a pre-emotive letter saying the proposed PL changes are unlawful. Going to continue to be ugly through the season I guess🙄
Jonesy(Quote)
I hate international weekends.
Gilly Toon(Quote)
me too
icedog(Quote)
Three Toon players start for England, not happened since 1997 I think. Tino, Hall and Gordon all start.
Gilly Toon(Quote)
Quarter of the England team from the toon 💪🏻
All 3 outstanding as well. First start for Hall & first time playing for England for Tino – thought both played with such maturity.
Really hope Tuchel continues to give them the chance coz I could see them being the future full backs 🤞🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
Sharpy17(Quote)
Goal for Gordon, assist for Tino and I think Hall was my MotM. Talk about a game of two halves. First half .. meh…. Second half, amazing.
Gilly Toon(Quote)
Hi lads, I won’t be on for a while. My worst nightmare happened last Thursday, Lewis suddenly became very unwell and ended up in intensive care. He passed away on Friday afternoon aged 34. I am completely lost and all at sea but hope that in time I can get back to living some kind of normal life.
kimtoon(Quote)
Ah Kim, so sorry to hear that. Sending condolences to you and your family. May he now rest in peace!
Gilly Toon(Quote)
So sorry to hear this Kim. Take care – RIP, Lewis
Olly Hawkins(Quote)
So very sorry KimToon. May Lewis rest in peace
Jonesy(Quote)
KIM no words can cover this RIP
icedog(Quote)
Oh Kim I’m so sorry.
Can’t imagine what you’re going through. Never met you or Lewis but feel like I know you chatting on here so many years.
Heartbroken for you. Hope you are ok xx
Sharpy17(Quote)
Kimtoon So very very sorry too hear of your loss. I know how devastated you must be. My wife and I helped care for a friends son, I think he must have been a lot like Lewis we lost him at the same age as Lewis a few years ago. He was a great lad and a wonderful, innocent human being. It will be time and friends that will get you through it
We still think of Rufus (Roofy) every day, but now its with a smile and talk of him often.
All our love
nutmag(Quote)
Really so very sorry to learn that Lewis has passed Kim.
My thoughts are with you and Hazel. Take care of yourselves.
sidekick(Quote)
Deeoest sympathies Kim. It’s so hard to look forward, grief is so hard. All the best.
PremAndUp(Quote)