Alexander Isak hits milestone as Newcastle overpower Forest in thrilling encounter
Alexander Isak netted his 50th Premier League goal during a dominant first-half display as Newcastle United defeated Nottingham Forest 4-3 at St James’ Park.
Forest initially took the lead through Callum Hudson-Odoi, but Newcastle responded with an explosive spell, scoring four goals in 11 minutes to enter halftime with a commanding 4-1 lead.
Lewis Miley and Jacob Murphy struck back-to-back goals to overturn Forest’s advantage before Isak scored twice in quick succession. His second goal, marking his 19th of the season, also saw him achieve 50 Premier League goals in just 76 appearances—one of the fastest in league history.
Despite Nikola Milenkovic capitalizing on a defensive lapse to reduce the deficit and Ryan Yates adding a late goal from a corner to set up a tense finale, Newcastle held firm. The victory propelled them to fifth place, closing the gap to within three points of Forest in third and strengthening their Champions League ambitions.
Newcastle’s First-Half Blitz Stuns Forest
The match began with Forest’s Hudson-Odoi capitalizing on a defensive error, curling a precise shot past Nick Pope to give his side an early lead. Newcastle responded quickly, with Anthony Gordon narrowly missing from a Tino Livramento cross before Miley equalized with a composed finish after Forest failed to clear a free-kick.
Murphy made amends for his earlier mistake, bundling the ball over the line following a deflection off Murillo. Forest’s woes deepened when Ola Aina handled Lewis Hall’s cross in the box, leading to a penalty that Isak converted. Minutes later, Isak added another, slotting home after a deflection to cap Newcastle’s dominant first half.
Forest showed resilience in the second half, with Milenkovic redirecting Chris Wood’s header into the net and Yates capitalizing on another set-piece to close the gap. However, Newcastle’s early brilliance ensured their slim advantage held until the final whistle.
The Magpies will aim to build on this momentum as they continue their push for a top-four finish.
Miley excellent in important win
Newcastle really needed a win to boost their hopes of a top-five finish and arrest a slide that was threatening to derail their season.
Howe’s side came into the game with three league defeats in four, and risked losing three consecutive home games in the Premier League for the first time since 2021.
Instead of falling nine points behind Forest, they closed the gap to three.
While Isak stole the headlines, Newcastle’s youngsters Hall and Miley – who came in for Tonali – impressed.
“The way Lewis Miley glides on the pitch, there are few that can do that. He is an international in waiting and has the world at his feet,” former Chelsea midfielder Pat Nevin said on BBC Radio 5 Live.
“I’m really happy to get a goal for my boyhood club, at the Gallowgate End. I couldn’t be happier,” Miley said.
Too little too late for Forest
Forest’s march towards Europe has been one of the stories of the season, but they might now be starting to look nervously over their shoulder.
A third defeat in four Premier League games marks a stark downturn in results, given that Nuno Espirito Santo’s side won seven of the previous eight.
Forest fought back valiantly in the second half, but ultimately their first-half collapse cost them.
“Second half was better but unfortunately not enough. Too bad, too soon,” Espirito Santo said.
“It’s about trying to settle down, calm down and try to be ourselves. In the first half I didn’t recognise our team. In the second half we were much better.
“I wish there was 10 minutes added on. We needed that time. We were on top, Newcastle were on the ropes. With 10 minutes I think we can get something from this game.”