When Newcastle United edged out Nottingham Forest 4‑3 at St. James' Park on 23 February 2025, the Magpies vaulted into fifth place in the Premier League, matching Manchester City on points and reviving their Champions League hopes. The drama unfolded in front of a raucous home crowd, with Alexander Isak netting a brace that pushed him past the 50‑goal mark in England’s top flight.
Background: A high‑stakes clash
Both clubs entered the meeting with something to prove. Newcastle, under Eddie Howe, had been scrapping for a European berth, while Forest, guided by Nuno Espírito Santo, were perched in third, eyeing a top‑four finish. The fixture was part of Matchday 26 of the 2024‑25 Premier League seasonSt. James' Park, making it a pivotal moment in the title race and the battle for European spots.
Newcastle had scraped together 44 points from 26 outings, a tally that left them five points shy of the Champions League spots. Forest, meanwhile, sat on 47 points, just three behind league leaders Arsenal. The stakes were clear: a win for Newcastle could catapult them into the conversation, while a loss for Forest might see their top‑four dream wobble.
Match Details: The seesaw of goals
The opening six minutes saw Forest take the initiative. Callum Hudson‑Odoi unleashed a swerving long‑range effort that curled past Newcastle’s keeper, Nick Pope, to make it 1‑0. The early trigger set the tone for a frantic first half.
Newcastle answered with a flurry that would become the talk of the weekend. In the 23rd minute, 18‑year‑old Lewis Miley bundled the ball home, restoring parity. Just two minutes later, Jacob Murphy struck from the edge of the box, nudging the score to 2‑1.
The crescendo hit its peak when Isak stepped up. He converted a penalty in the 33rd minute, then, a mere minute later, slotted a low‑driven finish to make it 4‑1 at the break. That second goal also marked his 50th Premier League strike, a milestone he celebrated with a quiet grin in the tunnel.
"It was a brilliant first half," Isak told Sky Sports after the match. "The reaction after conceding was really good. We dropped a bit in the second half and conceded sloppy goals. I'm obviously happy to win the game. The most important thing was to win."
The second half belonged to Forest. Nikola Milenković reduced the deficit in the 63rd minute, flicking a close‑range effort after a scramble in the box. The visitors pressed relentlessly, with Anthony Elanga blasting a header over the bar and Morgan Gibbs‑White sending a cross that nearly caught Pope off guard.
Stoppage‑time drama arrived when Ryan Yates bundled in a tap‑in after a blocked shot, making it 4‑3. Forest appealed for a penalty after Anthony Gordon collided with Yates, but referee Simon Gillett waved away the protest, and the Magpies held on.
Reactions from the Dugouts
Post‑match, Howe praised his side’s attacking spirit but admitted the defensive lapses were worrying. "The first half showed what we can do when we are focused. The second half exposed the gaps we need to close," he said.
Espírito Santo, meanwhile, remained optimistic despite the loss. "We showed character coming back, but we need consistency. The next game against Arsenal will be a true test of our resolve," he noted, hinting at a possible tactical tweak to shield the right flank that had been exposed by Newcastle’s wingers.
Tactical Analysis: What worked and what didn’t
Newcastle’s game plan hinged on exploiting the space behind Forest’s right back, Ola Aina. Both Murphy and Isak cut inside, receiving low crosses that led to the quick succession of goals. The Magpies’ high pressing in the first half forced errors and created the set‑piece opportunity that resulted in the penalty.
Forest, on the other hand, struggled to contain the width of Newcastle’s attack. Their midfield, marshaled by Lewis Grabban (who was on the bench), failed to close down the channels, allowing Isak to receive the ball in dangerous areas.
Defensively, Newcastle’s lapse after the break was stark. A lack of coordination between centre‑backs Lukas Süle and Milenković led to loose marking, enabling Forest’s late surge. The Magpies will need to tighten that shape if they aim to sustain a Champions League push.
Implications: What the result means for both clubs
With the win, Newcastle sit level on points with fourth‑placed Manchester City and just three points clear of the European‑qualifying places. If they can secure a win in the remaining fixtures, a top‑four finish is within reach. Their goal difference, however, remains a concern; they are still behind City by two goals.
Forest, despite the defeat, remain third with 47 points. The loss marks their second consecutive setback, and the upcoming clash with Arsenal looms large. A slip there could see them drop out of the top three, handing the final Champions League slot to rivals like Tottenham or Aston Villa.
What’s next for the Magpies and the Reds?
Newcastle’s next test comes against Aston Villa at Villa Park on 2 March. A win would push them a full three points clear of the fourth‑place contenders. Howe has hinted at a more disciplined defensive setup, possibly switching to a 4‑2‑3‑1 to shield the backline.
Forest will host Arsenal on 6 March. A positive result could restore momentum and keep them in the race for a top‑three finish. Espirito Santo is expected to reinforce his midfield with a more compact 3‑5‑2, aiming to deny Newcastle’s wingers the space that caused their first‑half collapse.
Key Facts
- Final score: Newcastle United 4‑3 Nottingham Forest
- Date: 23 February 2025
- Venue: St. James' Park
- Scorers: Hudson‑Odoi (Forest), Miley, Murphy, Isak (2) (Newcastle); Milenković, Yates (Forest)
- Isak reaches 50 Premier League goals
- Newcastle move to 5th with 44 points, level with Manchester City
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Newcastle’s win affect their Champions League chances?
The victory lifts Newcastle to 44 points, tying them with Manchester City for fourth place. If they maintain form and win their remaining fixtures, they could secure a top‑four finish and a direct Champions League berth, provided their goal difference improves.
What were the main tactical flaws shown by Nottingham Forest?
Forest’s right side was repeatedly exposed, particularly by the lack of cover for Ola Aina. Their midfield struggled to press Newcastle’s wingers, allowing rapid transitions that led to three first‑half goals.
Who scored the winning goals for Newcastle?
Lewis Miley opened the scoring for Newcastle, Jacob Murphy doubled the lead, and Alexander Isak delivered a brace – a penalty and a close‑range finish – that gave the Magpies a 4‑1 halftime advantage.
What upcoming matches are crucial for both teams?
Newcastle travel to Villa Park to face Aston Villa on 2 March, a match that could widen the gap to the top four. Nottingham Forest host Arsenal on 6 March, a fixture that will test whether they can stay in the top three.
What milestone did Alexander Isak achieve?
Isak became the 12th player in Premier League history to reach 50 league goals, doing so with his second strike of the night, which came just a minute after his penalty.
