Eddie Howe made six changes from the 1-1 draw at AFC Bournemouth on Sunday. Sandro Tonali was handed his first start since October after his 10 month ban expired this week.
The Italian replaced Bruno Guimaraes in the starting XI, lining up in a midfield three of Joelinton and Joe Willock, who came in for Sean Longstaff. The other changes saw Kieran Trippier, Lewis Hall, Miguel Almiron and Harvey Barnes selected ahead of Tino Livramento, Lloyd Kelly, Jacob Murphy and Anthony Gordon.
Newcastle took the lead just 18 seconds. A touch by Almiron set Alexander Isak away, whose shot was saved by followed up by Willock. It was the midfielder’s first competitive start since April and sadly, he had to be replaced on the quarter-hour mark because of a thigh injury.
United struggled after Willock’s withdrawal and Forest deservedly levelled in the 50th minute when Jota Silva cannoned a shot past Nick Pope from a long throw that wasn’t dealt with.
The introduction of Anthony Gordon, Tino Livramento and Sean Longstaff helped Newcastle regain a foothold. They had chances to win it in normal - and probably should have - but on it went to penalties.
Forest were handed the initiative when Carlos Miguel saved Joelinton’s spot-kick but things were levelled up when Ibrahim Sangare hit the crossbar. Taiwo Awoniyi then blazed his effort over, allowing Sean Longstaff to net the decisive kick.
Our writer Jordan Cronin was at the City Ground and - and here are his Newcastle United player ratings:
1. Nick Pope - 7
Looked nervous with the ball at his feet and wasn’t always convincing when collecting crosses after mishandling one early on. More composed after the break. | AFP via Getty Images
2. Kieran Trippier - 6
Trippier’s introduction from the bench at Bournemouth helped change the game but he wasn’t able to repeat that level of performance at the City Ground. | AFP via Getty Images
3. Emil Krafth - 7
Well positioned on more than one occasion to cut out any Forest danger. Just lacks the passing ability that Fabian Schar gives the team. | Getty Images
4. Dan Burn - 6.5
Put in a pretty solid showing at the City Ground but will be disappointed not to deal with the long throw that led to Forest’s equaliser. | AFP via Getty Images