Slightly less vital, but equally sweet was Newcastle United’s 2-0 win over Nottingham Forest. This statement win relieves some early season apprehensions and pushes the Citizens up the Premier League table. Newcastle’s first league victory came after a stuttering start to the league campaign. Under new manager Eddie Howe, they had previously only won one out of their first six games. BOTTOM LINE Nottingham Forest has been a mess this season. They linger just above the relegation zone with one point from their opening four league matches.
The game played out at St. James’ Park. Magpies add to last week’s 4-0 drubbing of Belgian outfit Union SG with a comprehensive home display. Bruno Guimaraes surprised everyone with a world class goal that put United ahead just before the hour mark. Midway through the second half, Nick Woltemade capped the comeback by converting a penalty kick to put Midwest on top. This narrow victory would propel Newcastle on a dramatic path of resurgence. It increased the pressure on Forest’s manager, Ange Postecoglou.
Newcastle’s Defensive Strength
Newcastle’s defense continued to dazzle, picking up their sixth clean sheet of the young campaign in only ten matches. While the team has been shaky on offense to begin the season, they’ve been a defensive fortress aside from a tough away day against Arsenal. Eddie Howe’s team fought tooth and nail in an extraordinary show of defiance on the field. Their grit has really morphed into a brand of basketball for them this year.
Ange Postecoglou realized his team has hit rock bottom, is determined to make the soccer club great again.
“It’s alright. It’s a struggle, it’s a fight. There’s nothing wrong with that,” – Ange Postecoglou
Unfortunately for his critics, none were more wrong than his successor at Nottingham Forest who saw his own term turn increasingly controversial. He has yet to win after seven games in charge. Incredibly, as it stands, he is the first permanent manager in the club’s history to lose his first four league games as Andy Beattie did back in 1960.
Changes in Forest’s Lineup
To improve the team’s luck, Postecoglou opted for four personnel changes in that starting XI. He handed summer signings Jair Cunha and Nicolo Savona their Premier League debuts. Still, even with these changes, the visitors were unable to make the most of their chances.
Elliot Anderson’s return to Newcastle was marred by a foul on Guimaraes in the box, allowing Woltemade to convert from the penalty spot for his third goal in three games. Woltemade stepped up to take the penalty and delivered a beauty. With a stunning volley – so Munir – he found the top corner of the net.
“We had to be patient today, but we stuck at it. Second half was a lot better, but we needed that second goal. We had control of the second half after a really bright start, and we needed a moment from someone to bring us the goal,” – Ange Postecoglou
Postecoglou’s influential substitutions looked to have turned the tide in Forest’s favour come the second half. Even then, they had a hard time putting the ball in the net against a solid Newcastle side.
Implications for Both Teams
As their young side continues to hum, if Newcastle is celebrating this important victory, surely doubts can be cast on Nottingham Forest’s chances in keeping Postecoglou. With pressure mounting during this international break, talk surrounding his precarious position will only increase.
Eddie Howe seemed relieved but not entirely happy that the next international break was on its way.
“It’s going to be a long two weeks for Ange Postecoglou to get those players back; a few of them may go away on international duty.”
With both teams facing pivotal moments in their respective campaigns, Newcastle looks to build on this momentum while Nottingham Forest searches for answers to turn their season around.
“Has the international break come at a bad time? I think so, even more two weeks in a row, like I said, and now I have to stop a little bit,” – Eddie Howe
With both teams facing pivotal moments in their respective campaigns, Newcastle looks to build on this momentum while Nottingham Forest searches for answers to turn their season around.
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