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:
5. Lewis Hall - 5.5
A substandard first-half before he switched off for Forest’s opener. But did bring an attacking threat in the closing stages. | Getty Images
6. Sandro Tonali - 8
Took just 10 seconds to make his mark with his first touch leading to the opening goal. Ran harder and faster than anybody else, and barely misplaced a pass. Top class on his return. | AFP via Getty Images
7. Joelinton - 5
Very, very hit and missy after a sluggish display at Bournemouth. Won numerous tackles but was prone to giving the ball away. Was fortunate his spot-kick miss didn't cost his side. | Getty Images
8. Joe Willock - 7
Opened the scoring for Newcastle just 18 seconds in but had to be replaced on the quarter-hour mark because of an injury. A huge blow on what was his first competitive start since April. | Getty Images