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Despite a nervy finish at St James’ Park on Sunday afternoon, Newcastle United ensure to keep their Champions League qualification hopes alive with a thrilling 4-3 win over Nottingham Forest. The Magpies scored four goals in 11 first-half minutes to take a 4-1 lead, but had to hold on under heavy pressure in the second period to get the win.
Forest took an early lead through Callum Hudson-Odoi’s long-range strike in the sixth minute, capitalizing on Jacob Murphy’s error. Hudson-Odoi’s goal was a result of a quick Forest counter-attack, which caught Newcastle off guard. However, Newcastle roared into life with four quick goals.
Lewis Miley, an 18-year-old making his first Premier League start of the season, equalized in the 23rd minute with a low leveller, sparking a Newcastle flurry. Miley’s goal came from a well-worked move, which saw him receive a pass on the edge of the box before unleashing a powerful shot that found the back of the net.
Murphy completed the comeback two minutes later, bundling home Newcastle’s second goal. Murphy’s goal — a result of a scramble in the box, which saw him poke the ball home from close range. Alexander Isak then scored a brace, including a penalty, to give Newcastle a 4-1 half-time lead.
Isak’s first goal was a cool one-on-one finish, which saw him reach 50 Premier League goals in just 76 appearances. Only six players in the competition’s history have hit that tally faster than the Swede. Isak’s second goal from a penalty, which he converted with ease to give Newcastle a three-goal cushion.
Although, Forest resumed the second period the better side, creating numerous chances against a nervous home team. Nikola Milenkovic netted in the 63rd minute, hooking home a goal that gave Forest hope of a comeback. A late goal by Ryan Yates almost earned the visitors a deserved point, but Newcastle survived a nervy ending to move up to fifth in the Premier League.
The win arrived a major boost to Newcastle’s Champions League qualification hopes, while Forest remain third but are now only three points ahead of the Magpies. Newcastle sure enjoyed such thrilling turnaround, as they came from behind to secure the maximum three points. Despite taking their foot off the gas in the second half, Newcastle held on to secure the win, while Forest lost their third straight away league game for the first time since December 2023.
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