Nuno Espirito Santo reflecting on what happened at St James’ Park… | OneFootball

Nuno Espirito Santo watched on as his team lost at St James’ Park.

An eventful match saw the visitors take the lead against the run of play but a totally dominant Newcastle United in the first half, eventually got what they deserved. Four goals in eleven minutes blowing Forest away.

Not a bad description as the wind clearly helped to make things difficult for both teams at times.

Eddie Howe making it three wins out of three this season over Nuno Espirito Santo and his team.

However, it was far from comfortable as United tried to game manage the second half with key players missing and Liverpool away in just three days time.

With possession frequently gifted and Forest looking a threat on set-pieces, a nervous crowd didn’t help.

Newcastle United deserved to win for sure but it could and should have been a far more comfortable victory after they’d done all the hard work in the opening 45 minutes.

Nuno Espirito Santo reflecting on Newcastle 4 Nottingham Forest 3, talking to Forest TV:

“We started well, we pressed, but once the momentum changed Newcastle were much better than us.

“We have to focus and reflect on what happened in the first half.

“We lost the game in the first half which is frustrating for us.

“In the second half we reacted really well.

“The boys gave it all and we had the chance to take something from the match against a good team.

“We saw more of what we are in the second half but it will be a good game to reflect on.

“It’s not easy to score three goals away from home and get nothing.

“We got the first half out of our heads and competed well in the second half.

“Unfortunately, at that time there was a big gap between us.

“The fans felt like we did in the second half; that we were on top and we finished the game with chance after chance to try and take something from the match.

“Even though we were behind, the team had the desire and belief. The players showed that in the way they played.

“I wish we had 10 minutes (added on) because I honestly believe with more time we could get something.

“We scored on 90 minutes and still had one more chance because of how much we were on top.”

Newcastle 4 Nottingham Forest 3 – Sunday 23 February 2025 2pm

(Stats via BBC Sport)

Goals:

Newcastle United:

Miley 23, Murphy 25, Isak 33 pen, 34

Forest:

Hudson-Odoi 6, Milenkovic 63, Yates 90

Possession was Newcastle 57% Forest 43%

Total shots were Newcastle 13 Forest 17

Shots on target were Newcastle 5 Forest 5

Corners were Newcastle 7 Forest 6

Touches in the box Newcastle 34 Forest 26

(Newcastle 4 Nottingham Forest 3 – Match ratings and comments on all Newcastle United players – Read HERE)

(Newcastle 4 Nottingham Forest 3 – Instant Newcastle United fan/writer reaction – Read HERE)

(We love our 4-3s! Newcastle 4 Nottingham Forest 3 – Read HERE)

Newcastle team v Forest:

Pope, Livramento, Schar, Burn, Hall, Bruno, Miley, Willock (Tonali 70), Gordon, Isak (Wilson 87), Murphy (Barnes 70)

Subs:

Dubravka, Longstaff, Krafth, Targett, Osula, Trippier

Newcastle United upcoming matches:

Wednesday 26 February – Liverpool v Newcastle (8.15pm) TNT Sports

Sunday 1 March –  Newcastle v Brighton (1.45pm) FA Cup fifth round – ITV1

Monday 10 March – West Ham v Newcastle (8pm) Sky Sports

Saturday 16 March – Newcastle v Liverpool (4.30pm) Carabao Cup final – Sky Sports