Nottingham Forest did not manage to pick up any points against The Magpies with the latter producing quite a dominating performance.


In front of a sold-out crowd, Eddie Howe’s Newcastle controlled the match with a total of 61% possession, opposed to Nottingham Forest’s 39%.

A clinical finish from Callum Wilson and a long-range effort from Fabian Schär was the difference between the two sides, the latter being somewhat of a carbon copy of Schär’s goal against Burnley in 2019.

With a tally of zero shots on target compared to Newcastle’s 10, Steve Cooper’s men did not have a notable chance to score but they did play some neat passages of football throughout the match.

Story of the match

The flurry of efforts started in the fourth minute in the game as Saint-Maximin proved to be a pest against Joe Worrall before laying the ball back to midfielder Joe Willock who, with a deflected shot, won a corner.

A low and fierce strike from Joelinton tested England international Dean Henderson in the 20th minute but ultimately Forest’s resolute backline still could not be breached.

11 minutes later after a surging run into the penalty area and marauding past multiple red shirts, Joelinton produced a tame effort and dragged his shot wide, wasting the best opportunity of the match.

Finally showing a glimpse of their expertise, Forest managed to work the ball to new signing Jesse Lingard whose shot was blocked by Fabian Schär. A rebound from another new acquisition, Neco Williams, did not manage to test the Newcastle goalkeeper.

Things were relatively quiet throughout the second half until, in the 57th minute, Fabian Schär picked up the ball and after dribbling a few yards smashed the ball into the net of the away side with a pile driving attempt.

In hopes of finding an equaliser, new signing Taiwo Anoniyi, formerly of Union Berlin, was introduced to exert his physical prowess.

Forest almost found an equaliser through Sam Surridge but the forward’s header flashed wide after a wonderful cross from full-back Neco Williams.

Now asserting their dominance in front on the home crowd, Newcastle found a second after Callum Wilson nipped in front of Moussa Niakhate to meet a Joelinton pass before dispatching the ball into the net.

Replacing Niakhate in the 83rd minute, the trickery of Alex Mighten was summoned to the pitch as Steve Cooper’s last role of the dice.

It was a slow and frustrating conclusion to the game for Forest as Eddie Howe ensured they could not find the rhythm or momentum that they needed, the Newcastle boss introduced five substitutes in the last 10 minutes of the match.

Sean Longstaff, Ryan Fraser, Chris Wood, Jacob Murphy and Sven Botman replaced Joe Willock, Miguel Almiron, Callum Wilson, Allan Saint-Maximin and Bruno Guimaraes respectively as the game slowly tricked away from the grasp of Steve Cooper.

Man of the Match - Bruno Guimaraes

Stamping his authority onto the turf of St James’ Park as he usually does, the Brazilian international did not give the midfield of Nottingham Forest a chance on Saturday afternoon.

Completing the most touches (95), successful passes (62/72) and dribbles (four), Guimaraes proved once again how valuable he is to Eddie Howe’s squad.

What is next?

For Newcastle, their unbeaten record this campaign will be tested against Brighton and Hove Albion at the Amex Stadium next Saturday.

Again reiterating their desire to maintain possession with the ultimate goal of securing European football, it was a job well done for the home side against a very good Forest team.

As for Nottingham Forest, their next game will be at home to West Ham next Sunday.

Ultimately a learning curve for the away team in their return to the Premier League, Steve Cooper and his men will not be phased whatsoever by the proceedings and will look to put things right next time out.