LONDON, March 18 (BNA): Striker Alexander Isaacs scored a brace, including a last-gasp penalty, as Newcastle United ended Nottingham Forest’s nine-match Premier League unbeaten run at home with a 2-1 win on Friday.
Eddie Howe’s side have risen to 47 points and fourth-placed Tottenham Hotspur are now just one point behind with a game in hand. Reuters reports that Newcastle are heading into the international break with the goal of Champions League qualification now within striking distance.
“Whenever I come back, it feels so satisfying and logging that lag is another boost,” Howe said. “I think today will always be difficult but I think we deserve it.”
Emmanuel Dennis put Forest ahead in the 26th minute as he looked to extend his unbeaten run at the City Ground, where he hadn’t lost since September.
Under pressure, Sven Putman attempted a soft pass to goalkeeper Nick Pope but Dennis was lurking in the area ready to pounce. He beat Pope to the ball and fired it into the net for his second Premier League goal of the season.
Isak restored par just before half-time after Joe Willock’s cross fell behind him and he twisted his body to volley the ball wide up his leg and off the far post. He put a finger in his mouth to silence the forest masses.
“We know it’s difficult to get three points and we got off to a bad start, but the team showed good character,” said Isak, who scored six goals in 10 games.
“I think we showed great character and kept pushing…we kept controlling the game and getting chances. We think and we know we have it on our hands and we have a good chance.”
Elliott Anderson thought he had put the Magpies ahead in the 64th minute, but the goal was disallowed after a VAR review due to a player being offside during the build-up.
And it looked like Newcastle would have to accept an equalizer before the referee signaled the penalty kick after Moussa Nyakati’s handball.
Nottingham manager Steve Cooper said giving up a late goal was the worst way to lose.
“Especially after we fought the game. We faced a really good team and we knew it was going to be like that, probably,” he said.
The result left Forest in 14th place in the standings, two points above the relegation zone.
“When you’re in the position we’re in, every point is vital,” Forest midfielder Jonjo Shelvey told Sky Sports.
“The way the lads dug deep inside, we deserved something from the game. But it wasn’t meant to be. We dust and come back again.”
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