It was far from easy but Newcastle have picked up a second straight 2-1 victory downing Nottingham Forest at the daunting City Ground last night. The performance was excellent with two goals from Alexander Isak enough to take the three points, but just barely.
Elliot Anderson had his dream shattered by a controversial VAR ruling. The Geordie came on in the second half for Allan Saint-Maximin, who is reportedly injured. The 20-year-old provided an instant spark in his best performance for his hometown club.
That performance should have been topped with a match-winning maiden goal. However, the referee was called on to review Sean Longstaff’s role in the buildup. It was ruled that Felipe wasn’t in control when his attempted clearance was deflected by Longstaff.
Justice prevailed as Newcastle won a penalty which Isak coolly dispatched into the net. The Swede was outstanding scoring in added time at the end of both halves with his first strike a moment of class.
Barring the VAR debacle, this was an excellent match of football with Newcastle putting in an entertaining display. The result had a lot riding on it with Forest just 2 points above the bottom three.
There were plenty of borderline challenges, gamesmanship, and class on offer. Former Magpie Jonjo Shelvey put in an excellent performance for his new club and didn’t skirt any of his duals.
The three points are what Newcastle need heading into the international break which arrives in a timely manner. Next up is a critical showdown against Manchester United. The hope is Miguel Almiron, Anthony Gordon, and Miguel Almiron are available.
If not, Anderson could get just his second league start. It would be well-deserved. But for Isak’s exploits, the local lad put in a Man of the Match display with VAR’s cruelty momentarily delaying his dream of scoring for Newcastle United.
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236 comments so far
Munster Mag
Mar 18, 2023 at 9:56 AM
Comment #1Sneaky first for day after Paddy’s Day
Charlie in the Gallowgate
Mar 18, 2023 at 9:59 AM
Comment #2Bruno – quite first half as he was shackled kicked all over the place by Shelvey. As second half wore in and Shelvey tired Bruno started to play with a lot more freedom.
Thought he did well to keep his cool under a lot of provocation first half.
Munster Mag
Mar 18, 2023 at 10:01 AM
Comment #3Ledge it would be a good solution ok, especially if Wilson can recover. I read long covid somewhere. Not sure if true. But he isn’t right. I wonder if Wilson and Isak can be effective together as part of a 3.
Sparky, I don’t think anyone will forget Isak last night, for quite a while 🙂
Pedro, 100% yes please
Toon fans bad
Mar 18, 2023 at 10:06 AM
Comment #4Munster,
Haha, good defence!
Observing you’re a blog fisherman!
‘Just because you’re paranoid doesn’t mean they aren’t after you’ 😆
WLtoon
Mar 18, 2023 at 10:08 AM
Comment #5Well done to the lads last night, excellent performance and a massive 3 points.
I tried getting the whole 90 mins after my shift last night but i couldn`t find it anywhere, the best i could get was 20 minutes highlights, im a bit disappointed with that.
Anyway, i can enjoy my weekend even more now we have that win and it`s onwards and upwards for the Toon.
Toon fans bad
Mar 18, 2023 at 10:14 AM
Comment #6Put some stats on previous.
In a nutshell,
Wilson’s mins/goal is 231 and Isak’s 129!
Wilson’s total shots is 45 and Isak’s 20!
Wilsons shot accuracy is 47% and Isak’s 85%!
Wilson has a goal more and 2 assists more in 9 more games.
I’m not a stat man, but they look pretty bad for Wilson don’t they?
I read it as Isak scoring in roughly half the time it takes Wilson, with less than half the shots necessary, and hitting the target nearly twice as much!
Toon fans bad
Mar 18, 2023 at 10:16 AM
Comment #7WL,
Get a crate in mate and find a replay, think AGM put a link up a while back for replays. It’s worth a look back at it mate.
sparky55
Mar 18, 2023 at 10:22 AM
Comment #8If Wilson has got long covid and his lungs are bursting all the time, then those stats are skewed by the fact he’s simply not fit. I still think Wilson has a lot to offer this club and a fit wilson will produce better stats and goals than his current crop.
I think we need to be patient with Wilson and hope he recovers soon
WLtoon
Mar 18, 2023 at 10:29 AM
Comment #9Tfb,
Cheers for the info mate, ile take a look. It won`t be a crate though ile be drinking, ile stick with a cuppa or two until i hit the boozer later.
HWTL
Sir Pugalot, the Dutch Bulldog
Mar 18, 2023 at 10:30 AM
Comment #10So, I talk to Magic and Munster sneaks in. hmmm
Sir Pugalot, the Dutch Bulldog
Mar 18, 2023 at 10:33 AM
Comment #11The Puglet was the strongest supporter last night. Did not fail to say would not win (Even if Jane did not get my double negative).
It took a while, but we just had to win that. Rust off. Onwards.
sparky55
Mar 18, 2023 at 10:35 AM
Comment #12When you look at our front three strength when all fit, we have 7 good players vying for 3 slots
Wilson
Isak
Murphy
Miggy
Big Joe
ASM
Gordon
There’s some proper giid quality strength and depth right there when all fit.
So in my opinion the summer has to be about replacing ASM, buying someone like Madders, buying an international LB, buying another quality centre half, and buying some good promising kids.
sparky55
Mar 18, 2023 at 10:37 AM
Comment #13Sir P…you were joint strongest supporter! 😉
Lee Charnley Bunga Party
Mar 18, 2023 at 10:37 AM
Comment #14If Wilson has had long covid it will be a nightmare to get back match fit
It took me about 6 to 8 weeks for me to recover when I had it and I struggled to do long walks without being out of puff for ages
So for him to be at peak performance it might be a long time before that happens hopefully the Dubai sunshine helps with recovery
Wor B
Mar 18, 2023 at 10:38 AM
Comment #15OMG call the blog police.
Someone hacked Sparky and advocated patience for Wilson!
😆
Lee Charnley Bunga Party
Mar 18, 2023 at 10:40 AM
Comment #16@Sparky55
Arguably the best strength in depth for “the best of the rest” in the league
Of course the so called top 6 have the best depth but I don’t see other teams having that level of quality other than Brighton
Hibbit
Mar 18, 2023 at 10:41 AM
Comment #17A little different to what Newcastle United fans had come to expect from the BBC Sport ‘neutrals’.
The BBC Sport comments from neutrals in the past had been overwhelmingly a catalogue of abuse aimed at NUFC supporters.
Particularly stuff about the Newcastle United owners and the media inspired pile-ons that NUFC fans have become used to, when blamed for who now owns their club.
On this occasion though, politics (almost) completely absent amongst the comments.
Instead we have a minority of trolls / Mackems in the comments trying to spoil this excellent Newcastle United performance and win, with some desperate comments.
Some kind of progress…
The BBC Sport readers comments from neutrals, with Forest fans and the odd Newcastle supporter also contributing…
‘Genuinely Baffled by the inconsistency in offside rule.
How can the 1st defender who tried to clear not be a deliberate touch? He can put that ball anywhere…..
The second defender, is also a very deliberate touch that bounces off the attacker
Justice done in the end.’
‘Newcastle were brilliant, much deserved win.
But Can someone please explain to me how that goal for Newcastle is offside? I genuinely cant for the life of me understand it.
Two defenders played the ball before it hit Longstaff and went to Isak, who definitely isn’t off. I’m baffled.’
‘Neutral but that was a fully deserved win and justice after one of the most bizarre VAR decisions with the supposed offside.
Forest look in real trouble on that performance, they barely created anything all game.’
‘Good to see the Toons win..Forest are a dirty lot.
‘Isak has some moves! Newcastle investment starting to come good.’
‘The fa will do anything to help Liverpool get top four. Just watch them get another shambolic penalty decision this weekend.’
‘Gutsy win by Newcastle away and they still have a shot at CL. Rest up so you can have a real battle against Man United once you come back. Good luck to you guys and great job fighting back from 1-0 down.’
‘Of course the goal was disallowed for offside – it wasn’t Liverpool who scored it.’
‘(Spurs fan) I was hoping you was going to slip up there, but that was a fully deserved win. Congratulations the toon!’
‘Few more wins like that, away from home, will cement your position in Europe next season.
Get ready for a European adventure..’
‘It’s so refreshing to see Chelsea and Liverpool being pushed out of the so called big six and to see spuds being chased down is great, long may this kind of change continue.’
‘As a 57 year old fan I’ll happily accept the hate we get nowadays it’s much better then the pat on the head patronising rubbish we’ve had for years.’
‘Well played Newcastle, from a Saints fan.’
‘Neutral fan
Newcastle fans are top drawer fantastic support
Great game coming up v Man Utd should be great viewing.’
‘Ive been a City fan for 5 decades but that was so deserved. After Tierneys performance tonight I no longer understand the offside rule.
Have a lot of respect for Forest but some of those tackles in the first half – shameful.’
‘Would have been daylight robbery if Newcastle hadn’t got 3 points.
Aside from the goal ruled out by VAR which went againt natural justice, that Notts Forest ended that game with 11 players was incredible. A nasty team. Yellows started coming out in the last 10 min but assaults by Ayew on Schar, Yates on Willock and Shelvey on Guimaraes in the first 20 minutes were all bad yellow card challenges.’
‘Thank you Newcastle from a Leeds fan.
Love to watch the Geordie fans. Proper supporters.’
‘Great to see a traditional top club doing well again. Well done newcastle. Breaking up the manc and London monopoly.
Wolves supporter.’
‘Neutral but really glad Newcastle got that winner after being robbed by VAR. I was really impressed by Isak.’
‘My praise goes out to Eddie Howe, he has done a remarkable job at Newcastle.’
‘I’m a West Ham fan and I have nothing but praise for Eddie Howe. Newcastle are doing exceptionally well and it would be great if Howe can take this forward to the next level or even two. That really is the most difficult thing though, as Liverpool this season are proving.
I also hope that Howe stays well away from the poison chalice of the England Manager’s job!’
‘Newcastle play lively football, best team I’ve seen this year at home, great fans.
I’m still hopeful we will stay up.’
‘Dear Newcastle,
The whole country is willing you to finish above LiVARpool.
England expects. A nation awaits.’
‘Great to see Elliot Anderson in the side ,on loan at the gas 2021-22 and got us up.
Shame his goal was chalked off ,wish him all the best UTG.’
‘Thanks Newcastle from a Saint and well done, yep we’re still odds on to go down, but if we beat Spurs tomorrow, there will still be hope.
Isak looks a really decent player, I hope you get the 4th spot and we do you a favour tomorrow.’
‘As an Arsenal supporter. I’m very happy for Newcastle proper team proper fans. Hope Forest stay up too!!’
‘Newcastle will choke, well choke more, they scraped a last minute win to not make that the 7th draw in 8 games.’
‘If there is actually a genuine Forest supporter that thought they deserved anything from that game, wobble your head. The Toon should have won that match 5-1 and the 1 is being generous.’
‘(Leicester fan) Based on performances so far…… looks like Forest, Bournemouth and Southampton will all be heading back to the Championship.
All three have had their moments but few and far between.
Cherry on the top would be Newcastle finishing 4th and Geordie hordes going on a CL Euro adventure next season. Shirtless with huge tattooed bellies walking down the streets of Milan, Paris, Barcelona & Madrid.’
‘I don’t like rooting for Saudi FC but Forest are a horrible side who wouldn’t be missed if they got relegated.’
‘I’m a Liverpool fan but honestly hope that Newcastle get top 4. The PL has been too much of a closed shop for years. Not happy about where their money comes from but could say that about PSG, Man City and more. I think our hopes lie in the week after the break ends.’
‘Forest back in big trouble – need to drop Shelvey we’ve gone from looking compact and solid to headless chickens because he has no legs and leaves massive gaps. Looks at Forest records since he joined and the games he’s started – it’s abysmal.’
“It was the first time this season Newcastle had come from behind to win in the Premier League…” Yes, because they rarely go behind. Typically lazy journalism from the BBC as usual.’
‘If it had not been for the referee bottling it Forest could have & should have received 4 bookings in the first 12 minutes !!
As for Shelvey – his sole objective was to follow Bruno G around the pitch & kick him at every opportunity !!
Dirty side !!’
‘If I were to put money on which teams would complete the top four along with Arsenal and Man City, then it would be Man Utd and Newcastle, that I’d back.
Difficult to see Spurs maintaining their current position, whilst Liverpool are uncharacteristically vulnerable to slipping up. Eddie Howe’s team have started to find a little form, are scoring goals again and look a decent shout for fourth now.’
‘Newcastle deserved win…after Citeh, best side I’ve seen at the CG this season.’
Toon fans bad
Mar 18, 2023 at 10:41 AM
Comment #18I’m not saying we should sell him!
He’s just not a starter anymore unfortunately. The medics at clubs have been on the lookout for long covid apparently and it’s evidenced on chest x-rays.
Maybe he’s turning into your pal Wood man bad 😆
sparky55
Mar 18, 2023 at 10:42 AM
Comment #19Wor B…I dont believe I’ve ever been overly negative about Wilson…whereas I do believe my overt negativity has been solely focused on ASM, BDB and Wood.
Just for the record! 😉 🙂
Munster Mag
Mar 18, 2023 at 10:43 AM
Comment #20Sparky only 2 of those can play centrally and that’s allowing for the fact that Wilson will stay fit.
I’d chop Maxi and get Pedro and / or Diaby in. But Pedro will be cheaper, has English experience and is strong enough to play centrally or across the 3.
Mind you, a front line of
Pedro Isak Diaby
….looks tasty. Has power pace trickery high press written all over it.
geordie157
Mar 18, 2023 at 10:43 AM
Comment #21Where’s all the fans saying Anderson isn’t good enough gone?
Great 45 minutes from him, works hard, can be direct, good feet, makes good runs and decent in the air.
Not saying he’s a starter but he’s needs more minutes.
Isak was excellent yesterday, thought Willock was very good too!
Would love it if we beat Man Utd to bring them right back into it but a draw would be alright.
The overrated Frenchman
Mar 18, 2023 at 10:49 AM
Comment #22My mate who is as fit as a trout is still not recovered from Covid after six weeks. My niece (who contracted it working as a nurse) is not back to normal after two years. A friend whose son plays plays collegiate football in the US went to hospital with double pneumonia. This is not the common cold. People have stopped taking it seriously. Wilson might be months away from full fitness if he has a severe case of it. The club need to be more transparent if this is his issue.
sparky55
Mar 18, 2023 at 10:50 AM
Comment #23Wor B…loved the “advocated” though!…you’re wasted on here!
Assassins Inc
Mar 18, 2023 at 10:55 AM
Comment #243.30 am, having participated in a day out of libations of Black gold and Jameson it’s off to sleep.
Watched my recording of the game, thought I was watching WWF the first like 10 mins.
God that ref is shite, great away win, Isak is silky smooth, Trips is just plan cool as ice.
Did Bruno steal Jonjo‘s flip flops or boots when he left?
Sleep time, 32 ounces of water drank, hangover will still knock at the door, four days recovery to ensue.
Get in The Mags. https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=aVAbeX70PWk
Toon fans bad
Mar 18, 2023 at 11:09 AM
Comment #25ToF,
I agree mon ami. Slight problem with the traditional 2D x-rays as is doesn’t detect lung abnormalities due to the Covid. 3D cat scans do however, which the club must have access to anytime they wish. There’s a learning model in the states developed last year at one of their Uni’s which when applied to 2D x-rays can detect covid abnormalities so it shouldn’t be long before long covid can be diagnosed from a normal 2D x-ray and the issue gets highlighted correctly.
I was breathless for about 8 weeks give or take, wasn’t sure it was ever going to do one. And the quack hadn’t any confidence in it not coming back!
clinath@ed
Mar 18, 2023 at 11:13 AM
Comment #26Was out for a meal last night so missed the game. Got my brother’s whatsapp message when we scored the second…nearly spilled my dessert!
Went thru the blogs posts game time when I got in. Always amusing when you know we’ve won, but the fans( whinging followers) constantly bitching about player A or B.
You are not fans, or even supporters, the club doesn’t need you.
Toon fans bad
Mar 18, 2023 at 11:13 AM
Comment #27So, if anyone reckons they’ve got the long covid, push for a 3D CT scan showing lung volume.
This is the way, until the new learning model thingy goes mainstream for traditional 2D x-rays.
Ronway
Mar 18, 2023 at 11:14 AM
Comment #28Some interesting comments from Malcolm Macdonald regarding Callum Wilson.
” Newcastle United already have the answer to Callum Wilson fitness questions.”
https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/newcastle-united-already-answer-callum-26497020
CLINT FLICK
Mar 18, 2023 at 11:18 AM
Comment #29https://footyfull.com/?s=Nottingham+forest+v+Newcastle+United
Sparky
Here ya go mate…if no one’s put it up yet?
😉
magicmac54
Mar 18, 2023 at 11:19 AM
Comment #30Hibbit
Morning Hibbit, thanks for sharing that post fella, it`s always very interesting to see what opposing fans views are on Newcastle from an neutral perspective HWTL.
WLtoon
Mar 18, 2023 at 11:22 AM
Comment #31Reading through some of the posts from last night and im glad i don`t bother posting during a game usually, what a bunch of moaning , negative footers on here.
Jeez you would think we were a team that have played shite all season and heading for the drop with a set of players who are useless.
It`s so called fans like that who will be shouting for EH`s head if we don`t reach a CL place at the end of season.
From what i seen of the game last night we were streets ahead of Forest and should of won by five, against a side who were unbeaten in ten home games yet some fans are complaining.
This club doesn`t need fans like you.
Toon fans bad
Mar 18, 2023 at 11:26 AM
Comment #32WL,
Tis the world we live in mate. They say at work there’s no blame culture 😆
sparky55
Mar 18, 2023 at 11:27 AM
Comment #33We got this! 😉
sparky55
Mar 18, 2023 at 11:28 AM
Comment #34Clint
Thumbs up emoji!
magicmac54
Mar 18, 2023 at 11:30 AM
Comment #35Assassins
It looks like you have totally maximized your Saint Patrick`s day celebrations to the limit, the dreaded Devils Buttermilk is a really hard nut to crack, get a glass of poteen Irish moonshine down the hatch and you will be ready for round two the big game in Dublin today mate 😀 😀 😀
WLtoon
Mar 18, 2023 at 11:31 AM
Comment #36Tfb,
Haven`t found that link for the game but no worries mate, we won and that`s all that matters, onwards and upwards.
WLtoon
Mar 18, 2023 at 11:41 AM
Comment #37Clinath@ed
What a cracking avatar, brings back memories when i was a lad going to the game with my uncle
Raj of Hailsley
Mar 18, 2023 at 11:50 AM
Comment #38WLtoon,
I’ve vowed not to post during match time, it wasn’t too bad against Wolves as a couple of the worst culprits must have been at the match boring the t!ts off the ten people unlucky enough to be in their vicinity.
clinath@ed
Mar 18, 2023 at 11:51 AM
Comment #39Cheers WL……says it all really 😉
Raj of Hailsley
Mar 18, 2023 at 11:57 AM
Comment #40Dermot Gallagher coming on SSN to explain why the goal was or wasn’t offside. Deliberate play is surely when you’ve attempted to clear it, like Botman, it wasn’t blasted at him and bounced off his shin. That’s my last on it as it’s never getting changed.