Nottingham Forest’s nine-match unbeaten run at home in the Premier League came to an end as they were toppled 2-1 by Newcastle United.
The Reds survived a couple of early scares when Joe Willock blazed over from close-range and Renan Lodi flicked Alexander Isak’s effort on to the bar following a clever free-kick routine. But having come through a spell of pressure, they took the lead courtesy of an exquisite finish.
Under pressure from Andre Ayew, Sven Botman’s loose back-pass was pounced upon by Emmanuel Dennis. The forward lifted the ball over Nick Pope in superb fashion to make it 1-0 with 26 minutes on the clock.
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Brennan Johnson had drawn a save from Pope prior to that, but Forest again had the woodwork to thank for keeping the visitors at bay as a Sean Longstaff effort deflected off Felipe. Just when it looked as though Steve Cooper’s side would go in at the break in front, they were punished for switching off for a second when Isak acrobatically connected with a cross to level in added time.
Keylor Navas produced a couple of big saves to keep out Elliot Anderson and Bruno Guimaraes after the restart. The Magpies then had a goal ruled out for offside after VAR intervened, but they won it added time when Isak thumped in a penalty after a handball by Moussa Niakhate. Here’s how Reds reporter Sarah Clapson rated the Forest players at the City Ground.
Keylor Navas: Made a couple of excellent stops in the second half and was composed with the ball at his feet. Had no chance with the penalty. Rating: 6/10
Serge Aurier: Will have breathed a sigh of relief when VAR intervened, after Anderson had beaten him in the air. Chipped in with an important late last-ditch clearance. Rating: 6.5/10
Felipe: Threw himself in front of absolutely everything, including making a big block late on. Made some positive runs from the back, too. Rating: 7/10
Moussa Niakhate: Can have no complaints over the penalty decision. Was good to see him back involved, but perhaps wasn’t 100 percent sharp. Rating: 5/10
Renan Lodi: Newcastle made for tough opponents and kept the Brazilian busy. Wasn’t particularly easy at times and he had his work cut out. Rating: 6/10
Jonjo Shelvey: Didn’t hold back against his former club. In fact, walked a little close to the line at times. Managed a few nice passes when Forest got hold of the ball. Rating: 6/10
Ryan Yates: Such rotten luck for the midfielder. Showed exactly what Forest have been missing in his first start since January, then was forced off with a shoulder problem. Rating: 7/10
Brennan Johnson: So close to winning it for the Reds late on, drawing a strong save. Forest needed to get him on the ball more as looked dangerous when he had it. Rating: 6.5/10
Morgan Gibbs-White: Had some really lively moments in which he caused Newcastle problems. Just couldn’t quite make them count as the Magpies stood firm. Rating: 6.5/10
Emmanuel Dennis: Quality finish to put his side in front. That’s what Forest have been waiting for. Deserved his place in the XI after a couple of bright cameo appearances, and arguably had his best game for the Reds. Rating: 7/10
Andre Ayew: Worked hard and had some positive moments, including playing his part in the opener by applying some pressure. Generally held the ball up well. Rating: 6/10
Subs
Remo Freuler (for Yates, 58mins): A fairly quiet cameo appearance from the midfielder. Rating: 6/10
Sam Surridge (for Ayew, 79mins): Added some fresh legs and made a few positive runs. Rating: 6.5/10
Neco Williams (for Dennis, 79mins): Tried to offer an outlet in the closing minutes. Rating: 6/10
Gustavo Scarpa (for Shelvey, 90+3mins): Barely enough time on the pitch to see the ball. Rating: 6/10
Subs not used: Hennessey, Worrall, Colback, Toffolo, Danilo.
Who was your Forest man of the match? Have your say in the comments below
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