Nottingham Forest dominated Newcastle United today, securing much-needed breathing room at the bottom of the Premier League standings.
A stellar display by Chris Wood, who scored a hat-trick, ensured that the Reds left St James’ Park with a crucial three points, marking Nuno Santo’s first victory since taking over.
Newcastle, under Eddie Howe, suffered yet another disappointing outing. December has been a particularly bleak month for them, with defeats against Luton and in European competitions casting a shadow over their season.
Reacting to the performance, former Newcastle player and club icon Alan Shearer succinctly summed up the game in just four words.
Brilliant Forest. Shocking Newcastle. #NEWNFO
— Alan Shearer (@alanshearer) December 26, 2023
Newcastle initially gained the lead in the match courtesy of an Alex Isak penalty. However, they allowed Forest to level the score, and once the equalizer was scored, Santo’s team seized control and never relinquished it.
For Shearer, this match adds to the series of disappointing results he’s been observing from Newcastle, further extending the trend of poor performances for the team.
Eddie Howe now under pressure at Newcastle
Certainly, there’s an injury predicament brewing at Newcastle, and although Howe guided them to the Champions League this season, football ultimately revolves around results, which, at present, aren’t meeting expectations.
Given the immense ambition of Newcastle’s owners, Howe is now finding himself under some pressure. This is a new development since his arrival, and while some might argue he’s earned a grace period, the demand to consistently secure European football for the club has intensified.
Presently, it appears that Newcastle is significantly trailing behind, and outcomes like the one against Luton are causing unease among the higher-ups in the club.
Consequently, if Howe fails to promptly reverse the situation, he might become the next manager on the chopping block.
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