Newcastle edge past Nottingham Forest with late Guimarães strike
In a pulsating Premier League showdown at the City Ground, Aw8 Newcastle United wrestled all three points from Nottingham Forest with a stunning 3–2 away victory, thanks to a moments‑before‑full‑time strike from Bruno Guimarães. The Brazilian midfielder’s brace capped a riveting match full of twists, evenly matched early on, but destined in Newcastle’s favor.
? A Game of Two Halves
1–0 – Guimarães opens fire
Newcastle drew first blood after just ten minutes, when Guimarães ghosted in from a short corner routine orchestrated by Miguel Almirón. Kieran Trippier delivered a deep cross, and Guimarães thundered a first-time volley past keeper Matz Sels.
1–1 – Forest fight back
Nottingham Forest responded swiftly in the 26th minute. Lukas Gibbs‑White threaded a precise pass through a disordered Newcastle defense to Anthony Elanga, who raced through and slotted low past Martin Dúbravka.
2–1 – Schär restores lead
As the first half approached its end, Fabian Schär produced a half-volley from a deep set-piece, restoring Newcastle’s advantage right before half-time.
2–2 – Hudson‑Odoi equalises
Forest refused to relent. Callum Hudson‑Odoi struck in first-half stoppage time, his low shot deflecting off Lewis Miley to beat Dúbravka, tying the game once more.
? Guimarães Seals the Deal
The second 45 minutes were cagey, both teams creating opportunities, but neither able to maintain momentum—Forest complained of a penalty shout over Taiwo Awoniyi that was dismissed.
Then, disaster struck Forest: in minute 66, Elanga lost possession near the edge of his own box. Guimarães seized it, and with a sublime curling strike from 25 yards found the bottom corner, sealing a dramatic 3–2 win for Newcastle.
? Tactical Breakdown
Newcastle's resilient structure
Manager Eddie Howe set his side up compactly. Central midfielders held their ground, allowing Guimarães to push forward. Yet, defensive lapses, especially on Forest's lightning-quick counter-attacks, left questions over concentration.
Forest’s counter-attack threat
Forest were effective with transitions, but lacked end-product. They created multiple chances after half-time, including a denied penalty and a disallowed Awoniyi goal, but failed to convert their dominance into goals despite their persistence .
? Emotional Impact
Guimarães the hero
The Brazilian midfielder took home the Man-of-the-Match honors. His double was only his first in a match since October 2022 . In post-match interviews, he emphasized the squad's European aspirations:
“We have to get Europe again … try for Champions League … definitely for Europa League.”
Nuno’s frustration
Forest boss Nuno Espírito Santo lamented the non-awarded penalty for Awoniyi's incident, calling it “a clear penalty.” His touchline protests were part of a growing frustration for a side hovering just above relegation.
? Eye-catching Stats
Newcastle took the lead three times in this match—becoming the first away side to do so in a Premier League game since October 2005
Their consecutive away win came for the first time since April 2023, and they’ve now beaten Forest away twice in a row—their first such series since January 1966 .
Forest have lost six of their last seven home games, a worrying trend as they battle for survival
? Wider Significance
Newcastle’s European push
At seventh, Newcastle edged closer to the broad goal of Europa League qualification. A win that not only delivers three points but also blunts Forest’s momentum .
Forest under pressure
Forest remain just two points above the relegation zone. Their inability to convert control or pressure into points, including missed opportunities like the claimed penalty, could prove fatal in the run-in .
? What's Next?
Newcastle will look to ride this momentum into their next matches, potentially targeting a top-six finish and European qualification.
Forest, meanwhile, must refocus if they are to halt their slide and build crucial points—home form will be key over the coming weeks.
✅ Verdict
This clash had everything Premier League fans crave: early goals, momentum swings, controversy, and a last-gasp hero. Newcastle united by Guimarães’ brilliance claimed a vital victory. For Forest, a tale of “what might have been”—but their survival mission rolls on.
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