Newcastle hit back to claim victory at Nottingham Forest

Newcastle delivered a strong second-half display to secure a well-deserved victory over Premier League surprise contenders Nottingham Forest.

Murillo initially put Forest ahead before halftime, but Alexander Isak, Joelinton, and Harvey Barnes all found the net after the break, preventing Forest from claiming what would have been their fourth consecutive top-flight win—a milestone they haven’t achieved in 29 years.

With this win, Eddie Howe’s team moves up to eighth place, while Forest remains third, though only a single point separates them in a tight league table.

Newcastle started the game on the front foot but left Murillo unmarked, allowing him to head in Anthony Elanga’s free-kick in the 21st minute.

The Brazilian, who recently earned a call-up to his national team, confidently delivered his first career goal—a feat he had hinted at to club staff earlier in the week.

While Newcastle initially struggled to create clear chances, and Forest goalkeeper Matz Sels made a crucial save against Dan Burn, Forest couldn’t extend their lead.

Newcastle returned with renewed energy in the second half, quickly leveling through Isak’s strike off the post, following an Anthony Gordon corner that Chris Wood failed to clear.

Nick Pope made an important save from Nicolas Dominguez, and the momentum shifted to Newcastle. Joelinton put them in front with a curling shot from the edge of the box with just 18 minutes to go.

Barnes then sealed the victory three minutes after coming on, slotting home a low shot to complete a swift counter-attack.

Defeat at the City Ground was a reality check for Forest.

Expectation levels grow quickly with each victory and Sunday was a reminder of the limitations of Nuno Espirito Santo’s side and how they still need to develop.

Chris Wood was quiet while Morgan Gibbs-White was unable to influence the match and it was the first time Forest had conceded three this season, the usually reliable Murillo and Nikola Milenkovic beaten too easily.

No-one expected Forest to be sitting third going into November’s international break and this defeat should not take too much away from what has been an exceptional opening few months of the season.

Remember, this is still the bulk of a side who battled the drop last season.

Forest recovered from their only previous defeat this season, against Fulham, by drawing at Chelsea before three straight wins lifted them to third.

When they return from the international break they face Arsenal, Manchester United, Manchester City and Aston Villa, along with Ipswich. Only once those games are done will there be a true reflection on where Forest really are.

For Newcastle boss Eddie Howe, this victory, and performance, was the perfect anniversary gift.

The head coach is celebrating three years in charge at St James’ Park and could not have asked for a better result.

It was a third straight win in all competitions and there are inviting fixtures against struggling West Ham and Crystal Palace to come following the international break. After a five-game slump the Magpies’ prospects are looking up again.

With Arsenal and Aston Villa stumbling it has opened the door for Newcastle, and a host of others, to look towards the top four and Champions League qualification again – especially if Isak maintains his form after scoring for the fourth game in succession.

Newcastle also face Liverpool, Brentford, Leicester and Ipswich before Christmas and could put themselves in a position for a very fruitful new year.