Newcastle hit back to claim victory at Forest

Newcastle’s impressive second-half performance earned a deserved win at the Premier League’s surprise package Nottingham Forest.

Murillo gave Forest a half-time lead but Alexander Isak, Joelinton and Harvey Barnes all scored after the break as the Magpies denied the hosts a fourth straight top flight win for the first time in 29 years.

Eddie’s Howe side climb to eighth while Forest remain third, although only a point separates them in a congested table.

Newcastle enjoyed the better start but paid the price for leaving Murillo, who earned his first call-up to Brazil’s squad this month, free to nod in Anthony Elanga’s free-kick after 21 minutes.

Murillo underlined the confidence streaming through this Forest squad. He had never scored a senior goal but confided in club staff this week he would net against the Magpies.

It was sloppy from the visitors and they were equally careless going forward, failing to seriously trouble Forest despite Matz Sels’ save from Dan Burn.

Forest were unable to build on the lead, though, and Newcastle emerged for the second half with renewed vigour and were level within nine minutes.

Bruno Guimaraes had already gone close before Isak fired in off the post after Chris Wood was unable to clear Anthony Gordon’s corner.

Nick Pope had earlier denied Nicolas Dominguez but the Magpies took control and Joelinton put them ahead with 18 minutes left when he curled in from the edge of the box.

It was left to Barnes to add a late third, three minutes after coming on, when he fired in low to finish off a quick break.

A reality check for Nottingham Forest

Defeat at the City Ground was a reality check for Forest.

Expectation levels grow quickly with each victory and Sunday was a reminder of the limitations of Nuno Espirito Santo’s side and how they still need to develop.

Chris Wood was quiet while Morgan Gibbs-White was unable to influence the match and it was the first time Forest had conceded three this season, the usually reliable Murillo and Nikola Milenkovic beaten too easily.

No-one expected Forest to be sitting third going into November’s international break and this defeat should not take too much away from what has been an exceptional opening few months of the season.

Remember, this is still the bulk of a side who battled the drop last season.

Forest recovered from their only previous defeat this season, against Fulham, by drawing at Chelsea before three straight wins lifted them to third.

When they return from the international break they face Arsenal, Manchester United, Manchester City and Aston Villa, along with Ipswich. Only once those games are done will there be a true reflection on where Forest really are.

Howe’s happy anniversary

For Newcastle boss Eddie Howe, this victory, and performance, was the perfect anniversary gift.

The head coach is celebrating three years in charge at St James’ Park and could not have asked for a better result.

It was a third straight win in all competitions and there are inviting fixtures against struggling West Ham and Crystal Palace to come following the international break. After a five-game slump the Magpies’ prospects are looking up again.

With Arsenal and Aston Villa stumbling it has opened the door for Newcastle, and a host of others, to look towards the top four and Champions League qualification again – especially if Isak maintains his form after scoring for the fourth game in succession.

Newcastle also face Liverpool, Brentford, Leicester and Ipswich before Christmas and could put themselves in a position for a very fruitful new year.