A spectacular second-half performance from Newcastle ensured that the toon returned from Nottingham with a third successive Premier League win at the City Ground, after goals from Alexander Isak,, Joelinton and Harvey Barnes secured a vital three points for the magpies.
After an impressive victory last week in the North-East, including a clean sheet, the first in the Premier League at St James Park since the opening game of the season, Eddie Howe selected an unchanged starting eleven for the visit to the East Midlands.
That ensured it was back-to-back starts in the Premier League for Sean Longstaff, for the first time since Sandro Tonali returned from his ten month suspension, keeping Tonali glued to the bench.
However, Tonali's introduction in the second half helped turned the game into the toon's favour. Coming on shortly after Isak capitalised on a loose ball in the penalty area, to volley home, the Italian played a pivotal part in both goals, being involved early in the move for Joelinton's goal, while setting up Barnes, with a smart pass to break the defensive line.
The first half was a cagey affair, at first, with the highlight of the opening 20 minutes, being home captain Ryan Yates appearing to avoid a potential red card, for an elbow to the head of Tino Livramento. Yates, then went studs-up into the knee of Sean Longstaff, and yet again escaped without a card, leaving Newcastle fans baffled with referee Anthony Taylor.
The hosts' first shot of the game led to the first goal of the game, with Murillo unmarked on the edge of the six yard box, heading home from an inviting free kick from Anthony Elanga, leaving Nick Pope with no chance.
Morgan Gibbs-White then went close for the home side, as he headed over the bar from a corner. At the other end, Dan Burn, and Bruno Guimaraes both had efforts saved by former toon keeper Matz Sels.
Therefore, the score at half-time remained 1-0 to the hosts', and it appeared that they would be heading one point behind Manchester City in the Premier League.
The magpies started the second half positively, and they soon found a well-deserved equaliser, as Isak volleyed into the far right corner, pouncing on a knock-down in the penalty area.
Isak should have given the toon the lead, before Joelinton, as the Swede glaringly missed a volley from 8 yards. Joelinton then made up for this miss, curling in on his unfavoured left-foot, an unstoppable effort from the edge of the box.
What appeared to be a nervy ending, was made much easier with substitute Barnes, on the pitch for less than three minutes, beating Sels at his near post, securing a valuable three points away from home for the magpies.
Eddie Howe, however has responded excellently to any mounting concerns of his ability for the job. The international break has come at the wrong time, for the toon army, whose recent strong momentum has lifted them to 18 points, and despite a modest 8th position at this stage, the toon sit one point behind 3rd, in a league becoming more open by the day.
Newcastle (4-3-3)
GK - Nick Pope - 6.5
Despite being overlooked for a place in the England set up, Pope continues to have an excellent start to the season for the magpies. Only made two saves at the City Ground, but looked more assured on the ball, albeit only the Englishman only touched the ball on 28 occasions over the entire match.
RB - Tino Livramento - 7
Callum Hudson-Odoi and Anthony Elanga represent two of the toughest challenges for any full-back in the Premier League. However, yet again Livramento and Lewis Hall were able to step up to the plate.
Only being bypassed once, Livramento constantly bombarded up and down the right side of the pitch, and despite his output being limited, his overall game, is developing, by the week, and is set to keep Kieran Trippier on the bench when the 33 year-old returns from injury.
CB - Fabian Schar - 7
Schar will go down at Newcastle as one of the biggest bargains in the clubs history. Other competitors include Bruno Guimaraes, who was brought at around £40 million, a sum which is looking increasingly unjust by the week.
The toon's ball playing defender completed 50 passes in a confident display, and remains a focal point in the magpies team, commandeering the defence along with partner Dan Burn.
CB - Dan Burn - 7.5
A revelation since moving back into his preferred centre-back role, the Blyth-born defender dominated his battle with former teammate Chris Wood, a complete opposite of what happened at St James Park in December 2023, where the New Zealand striker netted a hat trick.
In Nottingham, Burn was composed, and more appeared more comfortable on the ball than usual. He should have done better with his chance in the first half, but his yellow card in the first ten minutes, forces him out of the toon's next league game, after the international break, as West Ham visit the North East. A big loss.
LB - Lewis Hall - 7.5
Potentially player of the season for Newcastle so far in the Premier League, the young left-back celebrated his first senior England call-up, with another commanding display at left back.
With the most touches out of anyone on either side, with 104, it is a valid suggestion to declare Hall one of the best full backs in the league, as his ability to pick a pass, and create a threat going forward is bordering on world-class.
CM - Sean Longstaff - 6.5
Longstaff has been statistically one of Newcastle's most important players since Eddie Howe became manager, but creatively his output remains lower than most, in his position.
However, his work on Trentside consisted of important off-the-ball running, helping the magpies to keep their structure, especially with fellow midfielders, such as Guimaraes and Willock favoring a more attacking outlook on the game. A valuable player for most teams, he and Tonali are locked in a tense battle for that position.
CM - Bruno Guimaraes - 6.5
Even when the Brazilian does not have the best of games, such as at the City Ground, Guimaraes still finds ways to control and dictate the flow of games. Not as fluid as usual, his game was at times, frustrating, losing the ball on twelve occasions, while only winning around 35% of his duels.
However, as captain, his role in the team, has changed significantly over the last 12 months, and his leadership in the middle of the pitched proved pivotal to the overall result. With Manchester City in need of a central midfielder, to replace Rodri, toon fans will want him as far away from the shop window as remotely possible during January.
CM - Joe Willock - 7.5
The last two games have exemplified the importance of Willock in this Newcastle set up. Technically among the best players on the pitch, on most weeks, the ex-Arsenal midfielder can be considered a key reason for a recent upturn in form.
At the City Ground, he ought to have had an assist, with close friend Isak missing a guilt-edged opportunity from Willock's cross. However, his overall directness and precision passing, created three chances, even if he was slightly wasteful on occasions.
RW - Anthony Gordon - 6.5
Although the Englishman started on the right, he soon found himself in his favored left-wing position. Another call-up to the England squad is rich reward for a better run of form over the last half-a-dozen games, but has still not reached the very high heights of last season.
Losing the ball on 14 occasions highlighted the wingers poor output in Nottingham, but Gordon provided an important contribution none-the-less, as he was able to keep Ola Aina, who entered the game in a rich vein of form, sedate while on the left side of the Newcastle team. The toon will be hoping his injury is not too serious, so will England...
ST - Alexander Isak - 7.5
Despite being poor in the first 45 minutes, the Swede was able to help complete the turn around in the second half. Similar to Gordon, Isak is not on par with his performances of last season, but the last few games, have been closer to the player who we saw last campaign.
He registered a goal and an assist on Trentside, although could have had more, missing an, at-the-time key opportunity to put the magpies ahead for the first time in the game. His link-up play is also starting to re-emerge, which as one of his better attributes, could be a sign that Isak is back...
LW - Joelinton - 8
Since Howe has arrived at the club, the Brazilian has played in at least six different positions, and with the exception of his antics leading the line, has been excellent in all of them. One of his first appearances at right-wing at the City Ground, proved that despite a lean run of form, he still has a lot to contribute to the improving Newcastle team.
His goal, from his left-foot was impressive, while despite being relatively wasteful with the ball at his feet, his partnership with Livramento along the right, was growing stronger throughout the match, and with over 65 touches, he was one of the toon's busier players.
Substitutes
Sandro Tonali (69) - 8
As mentioned previously, the cameo from the Italian proved his worth to Howe, in a slightly different position to usual, all-the-while. The assist was the highlight of his appearance, but his duel-winning in midfield also proved important in helping to break down the hosts' attacks.
Harvey Barnes (80) - 7.5
Scoring within three minutes was as close to an instant impact as you could get from Barnes, who still appears to be more influential as an impact sub, rather than a starter. With the teams current form, he is unlikely to get a start, but it is important he uses these minutes importantly so he can guarantee a long-term future at the club.
William Osula (90+8) - N/A
