Eddie Howe reflects on what happened at St James’ Park on Sunday | OneFootball

Eddie Howe watched on as his team picked up a massive victory.

The 4-3 victory over Nottingham Forest means that Newcastle United are now fifth in the table with 12 Premier League matches remaining.

It also means that United are only three points adrift of Forest and third place.

An excellent first half saw four goals scored to give a 4-1 lead, however, a poor display after the break made it a real game of two halves.

Eddie Howe reflecting on Sunday’s Newcastle 4 Nottingham Forest 3 match at St James’ Park:

“I am trying to control my thoughts and stay positive.

“We have won the game and that is what we needed to do.

“I thought it was a great performance in the first half and we were everything we weren’t at Manchester City.

“We didn’t manage the game well but overall we are happy with the win.

“It was always a difficult game and when they took the early lead, you know you have an big task.

“I thought we were great with the ball and looked dynamic but then a couple of frailties showed in terms of defending set plays.

“When you win and you have things to improve, that is a good start point.

“That’s what I will take away [from this match].

“We can reflect on that 45 minutes [in the second half] and there are things that we can do better.

“We pride ourselves on doing better and getting the details right.”

Eddie Howe on Sandro Tonali:

“He had a hamstring problem in the week.

“He missed a couple of days training.

“I didn’t really want to risk him but with the second half as it was, we felt we needed his legs in midfield.

“He said he felt ok to play.

“It was a reluctant sub but I thought he did ok when he came on and touch wood he is ok.”

Eddie Howe on Lewis Miley:

“A really good performance from Lewis.

“He finished his goal really well.

“He can be really pleased.

“He has been developing really well.”

Eddie Howe on selecting Nick Pope:

“It was a big decision.

“They are all big decisions but I understand why the goalkeeper is highlighted because there’s only one.

“It is always with a view to trying to pick a team to win a football match and that is what I did.

“I value both goalkeepers that have played this year, Martin [Dubravka] and Nick.

“Nick has got his strengths, Martin has got his strengths.

“Nick distributed the ball really well, he played a part in two of the goals.

“He helps us with set plays and the physical threat, which we didn’t do well enough with our outfield players.

“But he will be disappointed to concede three goals for sure.”

Eddie Howe on Alexander Isak reaching 50 Premier League goals with Newcastle United:

“It is huge.

“When he plays like he did in the first half he is massive for us.

“He showed his pace and the timing of the run was excellent.

“A big player.”

Eddie Howe on Newcastle United’s Champions League aspirations:

“I think there are a host of teams that will have that feeling.

“We are in there fighting and I back us if we are fighting and showing our best qualities, as we did in that first half.

“We will hopefully be there towards the end, fighting and competing for that place, but nothing is guaranteed.

“It is such a competitive league this year and you can see that from our recent home games.”

Newcastle 4 Nottingham Forest 3 – Sunday 23 February 2025 2pm

(Stats via BBC Sport)

Newcastle United:

Forest:

Hudson-Odoi 6, Milenkovic 63, Yates 90

Possession was Newcastle 57% Forest 43%

Total shots were Newcastle 13 Forest 17

Shots on target were Newcastle 5 Forest 5

Corners were Newcastle 7 Forest 6

Touches in the box Newcastle 34 Forest 26

(Match Report – This was huge – Newcastle 4 Nottingham Forest 3 – Read HERE)

(Newcastle 4 Nottingham Forest 3 – Match ratings and comments on all Newcastle United players – Read HERE)

(Newcastle 4 Nottingham Forest 3 – Instant Newcastle United fan/writer reaction – Read HERE)

(We love our 4-3s! Newcastle 4 Nottingham Forest 3 – Read HERE)

Newcastle team v Forest:

Pope, Livramento, Schar, Burn, Hall, Bruno, Miley, Willock (Tonali 70), Gordon, Isak (Wilson 87), Murphy (Barnes 70)

Subs:

Dubravka, Longstaff, Krafth, Targett, Osula, Trippier

Newcastle United upcoming matches:

Wednesday 26 February – Liverpool v Newcastle (8.15pm) TNT Sports

Sunday 1 March –  Newcastle v Brighton (1.45pm) FA Cup fifth round – ITV1