Newcastle 4-3 Nottingham Forest Player Ratings: Isak and Hall star for the Magpies as they hold off late Forest charge

Newcastle held on to secure an important 4-3 win against Nottingham Forest at St. James’ Park in the Premier League’s middle kick-off slot on Sunday, February 23. After losing their last match to Manchester City, Eddie Howe’s men entered this contest with fire in their bellies and a hunger to win.

The game began at an electric pace as Nottingham Forest started on the front foot, grabbing the lead after just six minutes of play. Callum Hudson-Odoi opened the scoring for the visitors after a quick move and gave Forest an unexpected lead. However, it seemed like a blip in the grand scheme of things for Newcastle as they hit back in style.

Lewis Hall was on fire on the left flank in the first half as he used his pace and attacking instincts to make relentless overlapping runs. He set up Lewis Miley for Newcastle’s leveller after 23 minutes. Jacob Murphy then scored just two minutes later as the Magpies turned the tie around.

The main man Alexander Isak then came to the party at the half-hour mark as Hall earned a penalty after being fouled by Ola Aina as he looked to enter the box. The Swede stepped up and converted with ease to give Newcastle some breathing space at 3-1. Joe Willock assisted Isak just a minute later for the latter’s brace as the hosts were in cruise control.

Nottingham Forest attempted three shots on target and scored just one goal, while Newcastle scored four from five shots on target and led handsomely at the break.

Newcastle began the second half on the front foot as they looked to pick up where they left off in the first period. However, they were unable to mark that period of dominance early in the second half with a goal as they were ineffective in the final third. Things got tense in the 63^rd minute as Nottingham Forest bagged another.

This time it was Chris Wood who turned provider for defender Nikola Milenkovic to make it 4-2 and give Forest a glimmer of hope. However, they could not capitalize on that momentum and could not score a third goal despite showing great poise and drive to score. The visitors got on the scoresheet once again in the 90^th minute as Ryan Yates scored. However, they could not level the contest. On that note, here are Newcastle vs Nottingham Forest Player Ratings.

Newcastle Player Ratings

GK – Nick Pope – 6.5/10

Pope did not look like his best self from about two years ago, but still made two decent saves in this match. He also made three clearances.

RB – Valentino Livramento – 6.5/10

Livramento won six duels in defence, making eight clearances and three tackles as well. He also played two key passes.

CB – Fabian Schar – 7/10

Schar was sharp in defence as he won three duels, making six clearances, three interceptions and two blocked shots. He also hit the woodwork on one occasion.

CB – Dan Burn – 7/10

Burn had a solid game at the back as he won 10 of his 12 duels in defence, making eight clearances and two tackles. He also distributed the ball with 85% accuracy.

LB – Lewis Hall – 8/10

Hall played like a man possessed in the first half as he brought out his best-attacking form, providing one assist and winning one penalty. He won a total of 10 duels, making six tackles, four clearances and one interception.

RCM – Lewis Miley – 7.5/10

Miley was effective in getting forward for Newcastle and scored a goal in the first half. He passed the ball with 80% accuracy, including one key pass. He also won six duels and made two interceptions.

CM – Bruno Guimaraes – 6/10

The Newcastle captain had a rare off-night as he failed to make an impact on the proceedings. He committed two fouls and was also dispossessed 17 times.

LCM – Joe Willock – 7/10

Willock had a decent first half distributed the ball with great accuracy, and even picked up an assist. He also won five duels and made one clearance and one interception.

RW – Jacob Murphy – 7/10

Murphy continued his knack of being in the right place at the right time and bagged a goal for himself in the first half. He won three of his four duels as well.

ST – Alexander Isak – 8/10

Isak had a great first half and scored a brace inside two minutes after the hour-mark. While he was sharp in the box, he lacked a similar sharpness while receiving the ball and was dispossessed a few times. He was subbed off late in the game.

LW – Anthony Gordon – 6.5/10

Gordon had a decent game as he attempted two shots but failed to hit the target. He also won six duels and made one tackle as well.

SUB – Sandro Tonali – 6/10

He replaced Willock in the second period and put in a decent performance for his team.

SUB – Harvey Barnes – 6/10

He replaced Murphy in the second half and put in a subpar performance.

SUB – Callum Wilson – N/A

He came on late in the match and did not play enough minutes to warrant a rating.

Manager – Eddie Howe – 8/10

He set his team up for a big win and they almost got it after a resilient and clinical performance at home.

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Nottingham Forest Player Ratings

GK – Matz Sels – 5.5/10

Sels had a poor game in goal for Nottingham Forest as he conceded four. He made just one save throughout the match and also played just one long ball from 15 attempts.

RB – Ola Aina – 5/10

Aina had a forgettable first half as he struggled to contain Hall, even fouling him to concede a penalty. He was also dispossessed an eye-watering 24 times and also committed four fouls.

CB – Nikola Milenkovic – 7.5/10

Milenkovic showed great desire and bagged a goal in the second half. He won six of eight duels in defence, making seven clearances, two blocks and three tackles.

CB – Murillo – 7/10

Murillo had a decent game in defence as he won five of six duels in defence, making five clearances, three tackles and three blocks.

LB – Neco Williams – 6/10

Neco Williams had a poor game and went under the radar slightly as he failed to make an impact on the performance.

RDM – Nicolas Dominguez – 6.5/10

Dominguez had a decent game in midfield as he passed the ball with 95% accuracy, including one key pass. He also won eight duels, making six tackles and two clearances.

LDM – Elliot Anderson – 7/10

Anderson had a good game in midfield and showed great desire during his time on the pitch. He won nine duels, making two clearances and one interception. He also played one key pass.

CAM – Morgan Gibbs-White – 6/10

He had a decent game but his creativity seemed to dry up once he reached the final third as he played just one key pass. He attempted four shots but just one was on target.

RM – Anthony Elanga – 6/10

Elanga had a mixed game as he played two key passes and one accurate cross as well. He also won four duels but was dispossessed 17 times.

LM – Callum Hudson-Odoi – 7/10

He was the only bright spark for Nottingham on an otherwise dull evening as he scored the opener just six minutes in. He attempted one other shot, played one key pass and also won three duels.

ST – Chris Wood – 7/10

Wood attempted just one shot in the first half and could not trouble Nick Pope as it was blocked. He provided an assist in the second half and also won three duels and played two other key passes.

SUB – Ryan Yates – 7.5/10

Yates made a decent impact on the game as he scored a goal after coming on to give Nottingham Forest some hope in the closing stages. He was also booked for a foul.

SUB – Ibrahim Sangare – 6.5/10

Sangare came on late in the game and could not make a positive impact on the proceedings.

Manager – Nuno Espirito Santo – 7/10  

He set his team up well but could not ensure they made a comeback late on and had to settle for a narrow loss.

Sportsdunia’s man of the match for this game was Alexander Isak.

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