Newcastle United head into the international break with a much-needed 2-0 Premier League victory over Nottingham Forest at St James’ Park.
Second-half goals from Bruno Guimaraes and Nick Woltemade settled
a game that tested Newcastle’s patience but made clear once again how stout the Magpies’ defense is this season.
Forest, with manager Ange Postecoglou under ridiculous pressure as he is still seeking his first win as head coach, frustrated Eddie Howe’s side for nearly an hour, but to no avail in the end.
Newcastle struggled to create clear chances in the first half, with Matt Sels, the former Magpies goalkeeper, denying Joelinton’s header and Tonali’s volley. Woltemade, tightly marked by Nikola Milenkovic, had little service and no shots on target before the break.
The breakthrough arrived in the 58th minute through a moment of individual brilliance. Guimaraes dispossessed Morgan Gibbs-White near midfield, exchanged passes with Dan Burn, and curled a right-footed strike from 22 yards into the top corner.
Forest players appealed for a foul in the buildup, but VAR confirmed the challenge was fair.
That goal shifted the match entirely. Newcastle grew in control of the game and the ball, with Tonali dictating the Magpies’ tempo and Malick Thiaw marshalling a disciplined back line. Forest rarely threatened, and when they did, Nick Pope handled the danger comfortably.
Newcastle sealed the result late on when Guimaraes was fouled inside the box by former NUFC man Elliot Anderson. Woltemade stepped up and smashed the penalty into the top corner for his fourth goal since joining from Stuttgart.
It was another impressive display from the 23-year-old striker, who continues to justify his “stupid” and “fool” summer price tag. Alas.
The result marked back-to-back wins for Howe’s side following their 4-0 Champions League triumph in Brussels, and Newcastle now have five clean sheets from seven league matches — the best defensive record in the division — and nine points heading into the break.
For Newcastle, the win offered both relief and momentum, although that’d be put on pause for two weeks as we’re about to enter yet another international break.
The Magpies will return to action on Saturday, Oct. 18, when they visit Brighton Hove & Albion.
