Newcaslte held off a second-half comeback by Nottingham Forest in an entertaining 4-3 win at St James’ Park.
Callum Hudson-Odoi gave Forest an early lead from distance before the Magpies ran riot with four goals 13 minutes from Lewis Miley, Jacob Murphy and two from Alexander Isak.
Forest dominated much the second half and a comeback looked on when Nikola Milenkovic backheeled in the Reds’ second before Ryan Yates slotted home in the first minute of stoppage time but the Toon were able to hold on to go level on points with fourth-placed Manchesyer City.
Nuno Espirito Santo’s side remain third but suffered their third defeat in four Premier League games with their pursuit of Champions League football looks to be losing momentum.
Newcastle vs Nottingham Forest
Forest made the perfect start to proceedings when Hudson-Odoi picked the pocket of Fabian Schar before catching Nick Pope, who made his return to the Magpies goal after injury, out with a nicely placed shot from range.
The visitors enjoyed much of the early possession on Tyneside but were left stunned by a 13-minute rampage by Newcastle, starting which Miley’s first Premier League goal of the season on 23 minutes.
After the ball was recycled by Lewis Hall, the young midfielder was allowed the space in the box to take a touch and finish across goal into the far corner.
What a moment for Lewis Miley! 😍 pic.twitter.com/CDJuqWNdUD
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) February 23, 2025
Two minutes later, the Magpies were ahead when a lovely Isak backhell sent Hall clear on the left again, with the Englishman’s deflected cross was eventually bundled in by Murphy.
It got even better not long later and Hall was heavily involved once again. The 20-year-old’s cross from the left was deemed to have struck Ola Aina’s hand and, after an on-pitch review, a penalty was given. Isak nonchalantly chipped the ball down the middle which Matz Sels couldn’t keep out despite getting a hand to it.
Alexander Isak has arrived 😅👋 pic.twitter.com/4TqZJgoEWF
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) February 23, 2025
And the Toon were not done there as Isak was fed through by Joe Willock before the red-hot Swedish striker’s finish deflected off Murrillo and over Sels into the back of the net.
Forest began the second half which much more intent, with Anthony Elanga unable to jump high enough to stab home from close range before they reduced the deficit through Milenkovic.
Former Newcastle striker Chris Wood’s shot towards goal was diverted in by the centre-back with a nice backheel as Newcastle struggled to match the intensity they showed in the first half.
Nikola Milenkovic with the creative finish ✨👨🎨 pic.twitter.com/OpwrpKIGlN
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) February 23, 2025
It looked as though the Toon may be able to preserve their two-goal lead and hold on but Yates side-footed in from close range to set up a nervy finish.
The away side then thought they had a late penalty shout after a collision inside the box but the hosts did just enough to end a two-game losing streak.
