Newcastle Keep Top-Four Hopes Alive with Dramatic Stoppage-Time Winner

Isak Scores Winner from Penalty Spot

Newcastle’s Alexander Isak scored a dramatic stoppage-time winner at Nottingham Forest from the penalty spot to keep their hopes of a top-four finish firmly alive. Isak, who had earlier cancelled out Emmanuel Dennis’ opener in the first half, coolly placed his spot-kick into the right corner after Moussa Niakhate was penalised for handball in the box.

VAR Rules Out Newcastle Goal

In an eventful encounter, Newcastle substitute Elliot Anderson thought he had made it 2-1 when he thumped in a header at the back post, only for it to be ruled out by VAR for offside in the build-up. Newcastle were on top for large spells and hit the crossbar twice in the first half, either side of a glorious chance fired over by Joe Willock from close range.

Forest Take Lead Against the Run of Play

Forest’s opener came against the run of play when Newcastle defender Sven Botman unforgivably gifted possession to Dennis, who smartly chipped it over the players standing guard on the goalline. The visitors’ pressure eventually paid off when Willock set-up Isak for a precise volley into the far corner on the stroke of half-time and the Swedish striker later delivered the winner to spark celebratory scenes in the away end in Nottingham.

Newcastle Deserved Victory

The result leaves Newcastle just a point behind Tottenham in fifth – and still with a game in hand – while Forest remain two points above the relegation zone. Newcastle were made to work hard for their victory but it was well deserved. They had already forced Forest goalkeeper Keylor Navas into action on numerous occasions in the second half as pressure grew inside the hosts’ half, while defender Serge Aurier made a goalline clearance and striker Jacob Murphy volleyed wide from close range.

Impressive Showing from Isak

It was the first time this season Newcastle had come from behind to win in the Premier League and it strengthens their challenge for a Champions League qualification spot. It was also another impressive showing from Isak, who now has six goals in 10 Premier League appearances after also netting in the 2-1 win over Wolves last weekend.

Forest’s Relegation Fears Continue

For Forest it was another disappointing result. The danger of relegation remains and they were not a match for Newcastle on Friday evening. They had a late chance through Brennan Johnson in the dying minutes but did not trouble goalkeeper Nick Pope anywhere near enough.

Match Stats

Match ends, Nottingham Forest 1, Newcastle United 2. Second Half ends, Nottingham Forest 1, Newcastle United 2.

Alexander Isak (Newcastle United) wins a free-kick on the left wing. Foul by Gustavo Scarpa (Nottingham Forest).

Renan Lodi (Nottingham Forest) is shown the yellow card for a bad foul. Alexander Isak (Newcastle United) wins a free-kick on the right wing. Foul by Renan Lodi (Nottingham Forest).

Substitution, Nottingham Forest. Gustavo Scarpa replaces Jonjo Shelvey. Goal! Nottingham Forest 1, Newcastle United 2. Alexander Isak (Newcastle United) converts the penalty with a right-footed shot to the top right corner.

Keylor Navas (Nottingham Forest) is shown the yellow card. Jonjo Shelvey (Nottingham Forest) is shown the yellow card.

Attempt blocked. Alexander Isak (Newcastle United) header from the centre of the box is blocked. Assisted by Joe Willock with a cross.

Penalty conceded by Moussa Niakhaté (Nottingham Forest) with a handball in the penalty area. Nick Pope (Newcastle United) wins a free-kick in the defensive half. Foul by Sam Surridge (Nottingham Forest).

Attempt saved. Brennan Johnson (Nottingham Forest) right-footed shot from the right side of the box is saved in the bottom right corner.

Attempt blocked. Bruno Guimarães (Newcastle United) right-footed shot from the centre of the box is blocked. Assisted by Matt Ritchie with a cross.

Kieran Trippier (Newcastle United) wins a free-kick in the defensive half. Foul by Neco Williams (Nottingham Forest).

Substitution, Newcastle United. Matt Ritchie replaces Jacob Murphy.

Credit: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/64911104

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