26 December 2023 , 15:38
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Newcastle's season is falling apart.
Injuries, a chronic loss of confidence, gaping holes in the defence, a lack of energy, poor transfer business last summer? Take your pick of reasons or excuses. But the sight of the Toon crumbling to their sixth defeat in seven games at the hands of a remarkable 15 minute hat-trick by former striker Chris Wood had heaped pressure on Eddie Howe and his players. This was the worst home league defeat of Howe’s reign.
They were lacklustre, smashed on the break by Nuno Espirito Santo's rejuvenated side. Anthony Elanga and Morgan Gibbs White were too hot to handle and made it look like the exposed home defence were running in sand.
Howe has plenty of credit in the bank with Geordie fans who appreciate this is his first major dip. Co-owner Amanda Staveley visited the training ground and described her employees as the “best team in the world.”
But they are losing games and there is always that doubt in the air over who ultimately pulls the strings behind the scenes. Would the 80pc Saudi owners look for a change? Surely not yet, but United face Liverpool next, Sunderland in the cup and have a nightmare January fixture list. It was hard to believe this is the same club who destroyed PSG in the Champions League here in October.
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How much pressure is Eddie Howe under? Have your say in the comments section
Chris Wood scored all three Nottingham Forest goals in their win (Richard Lee/REX/Shutterstock)New Zealand international Wood helped save the Toon from the drop when he joined them two years early in Howe’s spell in charge. .But he returned to inflict a hugely damaging defeat - the eighth in the last 12 games. The only other sides to win here against Howe in the league are Arsenal, Liverpool and Man City. It was the worst defeat for two years at home when Cambridge won in the FA Cup.
Initially Forest were smothered by Newcastle’s intensity. At times they struggled to get out of their own half, and were snaffled by the home midfield.
Alexander Isak was recalled to start after suffering groin trouble lifted the mood by capping a positive Toon start with a penalty kick. The Swede converted after being fouled by Ola Aina. It was 17-year-old Lewis Miley’s swivel and dinked pass into the box that helped create the chance.
Newcastle failed to build on Alexander Isak's openerA (Malcolm Mackenzie/ProSports/REX/Shutterstock)Forest had a threat on the break, and grew in confidence. Elanga was lightning quick. Morgan Gibbs White has a couple of long range efforts.
Wood was a £20m stop-gap buy for his spell at Newcastle and helped them avoid relegation after Howe took over, in a reliable shift. His goal move started when Miggy Almiron squandered a great chance in Forest’s box with a poor pass.
The excellent Gibbs-White broke down the right wing and played an ambitious ball to the byline which Elanga did well to reach and cross. Wood had a tap in from two yards to silence the home crowd. The visitors came close to second either side of half time both on the break and with Elanga, Callum Hudson Odoi and Gibbs White all showing their speed.
It was an afternoon to forget for Eddie Howe (Richard Lee/REX/Shutterstock)Forest got their second, and deservedly, again tearing United apart on the break. Elanga sped clear and as he was fouled in the half way line managed to slot a great ball through to Wood.
The New Zealand striker showed a turn of pace to get into the box and turn inside Dan Burn, and dink over Dubravka. Left back Burn, still coming back to full fitness, was immediately subbed.
Elanga was magnificent, taking yards out of Toon defenders chasing balls over the top. Wood completed a magnificent hat-trick on the hour. Murillo played a long through ball for Wood to run in on goal and finish.
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It was that simple. Two passes and the Toon were opened up. Howe will be a worried man, if not for his job, then this terrible run. Forest can look up to mid-table.