Chris Wood’s hat-trick on his St James’ Park return fueled Nottingham Forest to break a seven-game winless streak, securing a remarkable Premier League victory over Newcastle.
This win propels Forest to 16th place in the table, establishing a five-point cushion above the relegation zone ahead of Tuesday’s remaining fixtures.
Alexander Isak asserted control for Eddie Howe’s side by confidently converting a penalty in the first half, earned through a challenge from Ola Aina.
Newcastle posed sporadic threats in attack, remaining vulnerable to a reshaped Forest side strategically designed for swift counter-attacks.
Morgan Gibbs-White pulled an early attempt wide for the visitors, and despite Anthony Elanga missing two excellent chances, he later combined with the former England Under-21 midfielder to set up Wood for a deserved equalizer against his former club just before halftime.
Wood, Eddie Howe’s second signing for Newcastle, extended his tally shortly after halftime. He sprinted onto Elanga’s pass, deftly maneuvered past defender Dan Burn, and skillfully lifted the ball over goalkeeper Martin Dubravka.
Wood concluded a stellar performance with a composed finish, capitalizing on Murillo’s through ball that left him clear of an absent Newcastle defense. Elanga and Gibbs-White had additional opportunities to compound the hosts’ woes, leaving them in seventh place on the table after their fourth defeat in five Premier League games.
Wood and Gibbs-White Shine for Revitalized Forest: A Recap
Just a week ago, Steve Cooper faced dismissal as Forest manager following a disappointing stretch of one win in 13 top-flight games.
Based on this performance, it seems replacement Nuno Espirito Santo is swiftly implementing his ideas, bringing Christmas cheer to the City Ground. Making six changes from the XI that lost to Bournemouth, he was rewarded with a purposeful display, as Forest consistently sliced through the opposing defense with incisive counter-attacks.
Wood’s clinical prowess in front of goal defied the fact that he was only starting his fifth league game of the season, often utilized as a substitute under Cooper. While the New Zealand striker deserves praise for his match-winning performance, other players in red also showcased excellence.
Forest captain Gibbs-White, dominating the midfield against Bruno Guimaraes, could arguably be considered the game’s outstanding player. He should have capped his impressive performance with a couple of goals. Despite some wasteful finishing and a questionable decision not to pass to Wood in the first half, Elanga served as an excellent outlet for Forest on the right.
Newcastle’s Impressive Home Run Comes to an End
Despite entering this match amidst a poor run, there was an anticipation that Newcastle would extend their remarkable home record to eight consecutive top-flight victories.
When Aina’s slight contact on the calf of Isak gave them a first-half penalty, which was duly dispatched, they were seemingly on their way.
Yet, the Swede faced challenges afterward, directing a promising opportunity directly at Forest goalkeeper Matt Turner. In the second period, he scuffed a close-range effort that the United States international kept out, with assistance from Moussa Niakhate, who blocked Anthony Gordon’s subsequent attempt.
Howe’s primary dissatisfaction likely stemmed from his side consistently being caught on the break, resulting in their first home defeat against Forest in the top tier since October 1988.
