Nottingham Forest secured a dramatic 3-1 victory over Newcastle United in a pulsating Premier League encounter at St. James’ Park on Boxing Day.
The home side started brightly, taking the lead through Joelinton in the 22nd minute. However, Forest roared back in the second half, with goals from Morgan Gibbs-White, Serge Aurier, and Taiwo Awoniyi securing a remarkable comeback victory for Steve Cooper’s men.
Forest’s Comeback Stuns St. James’ Park
Newcastle dominated the first half, controlling possession and creating several chances. Joelinton capitalized on a defensive error to put the Magpies ahead, sending the home crowd into raptures. But Forest remained resolute, and their persistence paid off after the break.
Gibbs-White equalized with a composed finish in the 52nd minute, before Aurier put Forest ahead with a stunning long-range volley ten minutes later. Awoniyi then sealed the win with a close-range effort in the 78th minute, sending the Forest fans into ecstasy.
Newcastle Left to Rue Missed Opportunities
Newcastle will be left to rue their missed opportunities, having spurned several chances to extend their lead in the first half. Allan Saint-Maximin and Bruno Guimarães were particularly wasteful, hitting the woodwork and missing clear-cut chances.
Forest’s Resurgence Continues
For Forest, this victory marks their third win in their last five Premier League games, solidifying their position in mid-table. Cooper’s side has shown impressive fighting spirit and resilience, and they will be hoping to build on this momentum in the second half of the season.
Reaction
- Steve Cooper (Nottingham Forest manager): “I’m delighted with the performance and the result. We showed great character to come back from behind against a very good team. This is a massive win for us, and it gives us a real belief that we can achieve something special this season.”
- Eddie Howe (Newcastle United manager): “We’re disappointed with the result, but we have to give credit to Forest for their performance. They were clinical in the second half, and we were punished for our mistakes. We must learn from this and bounce back in the next game.”
- This result throws the race for the top six in the Premier League wide open, with Newcastle and Forest firmly in the mix. The second half of the season promises to be a thrilling affair, and this Boxing Day encounter is just a taste of the drama to come.
Newcastle vs. Nottingham Forest: Boxing Day Highlights!
1st Half
- 5′ – Close Call: Newcastle’s Saint-Maximin cuts inside and unleashes a fierce shot that rattles the Forest crossbar!
- 18′ – Magpies Dominating: Newcastle pressing high, forcing Forest errors and controlling possession.
- 22′ – Goal! Newcastle (Joelinton): A long ball falls perfectly for Joelinton who chests it down, swivels, and fires a low shot past Henderson. St. James’ Park erupts!
- 37′ – Big Save: Burn blocks a dangerous Aurier cross for Forest, keeping the lead intact.
2nd Half
- 52′ – Goal! Forest (Gibbs-White): Awoniyi’s clever layoff finds Gibbs-White on the edge of the box, he takes a touch and curls a beautiful shot into the top corner. The comeback is on!
- 62′ – Stunning Volley! Forest (Aurier): From 30 yards out, Aurier unleashes a thunderbolt volley that leaves Dubravka rooted to the spot. Forest go ahead!
- 71′ – Woodwork Again!: Saint-Maximin goes on a mazy run but his shot cannons off the post, another missed chance for Newcastle.
- 78′ – Goal! Forest (Awoniyi): Johnson’s cross finds Awoniyi unmarked in the box, and he taps it in from close range to seal the win for Forest. St. James’ Park falls silent.
Key Moments
- Joelinton’s clinical finish to put Newcastle ahead early.
- Gibbs-White and Aurier’s stunning goals to turn the tide for Forest.
- Newcastle’s missed chances, especially Saint-Maximin hitting the woodwork twice.
- Forest’s defensive resilience and clinical counter-attacking in the second half.
