This Newcastle United star is a 'freak of nature' - and another is a 'class act'

Easy that, wasn’t it? Newcastle United cruised to an emphatic win over Nottingham Forest in the Premier League, thanks to comeback goals from Alexander Isak, Joelinton and Harvey Barnes.

That result made it three out of three for Eddie Howe’s side as they continue to climb the table after and up and down start to the campaign.

Here’s what we learned from the encounter.

We’re BACK!

Whisper it, or don’t, but it certainly feels like Newcastle United are showing signs of being BACK!

This game had shadows of one from 2022/23, where the fast-breaking, counter-attacking, goal-laden Magpies lay siege to the Champions League spots in the Premier League.

It helped, Forest played into their hands, but still, it was a major building block from the gritty wins over Chelsea and Arsenal.

They put in arguably their best 45 minutes of the season after the break, scoring three goals for the first time since May.

It’s a real shame the international break punctuates this season, again, but it’s to carry some momentum into West Ham.

Whatever the question - Joelinton provides Newcastle’s answer

He’s a rarity by Premier League standards.

Few are as aggressive and physical, and when he’s on form, few can get close to him. Joelinton is Newcastle’s freak of nature, causing headaches, wherever he plays, the country over.

When Howe needs a midfielder - he’s the man. On the left? Over you go, Joe. The right? He can do that, too. Just keep him away from the role he was actually signed to fill, and all will be well with the world.

He gives everything for the cause, and even if his form dips, which happens from time to time, he’s a gem, worth his considerable weight in gold.

Let’s talk about Bruno

He’s had questions marks about his captaincy from some, and even critics questioning his value to the team in recent times, but wow has he answered all of that, and then some.

From the minute he WON the toss at the City Ground, he ran the show. With the ball, without the ball, he’s a class act. And, this season, he looks in peak physical shape.

He’s leading by example on and off the pitch - and long may it continue.

Won v 12 men?

The Premier League is so tough, it always helps when you’re not playing 11 v 12, doesn’t it? Well, of course, I’m only joking, but it was not the best of performances from man in the middle, Anthony Taylor, was it?

The referee gave the Magpies nothing in the first half, in particular, and somehow didn’t even have a conversation with Ryan Yates after two very suspect challenges on Tino Livramento and Sean Longstaff.

Good job it didn’t count for anything.

The ‘bomb squad’

When Newcastle are at their strongest, they’ve always got legs to call on from the bench. It’s usually the likes of Callum Wilson, or Joe Willock, but this time the reinforcements to rub salt in the wounds came in the shape of goalscorer Barnes and Sandro Tonali.

While Barnes’ impact can’t be doubted, thanks to his fourth of the campaign, it’s impossible to overlook the Italian’s calming yet energetic cameo.

Calls will remain for him to be starting games, but Howe won’t mind being able to call upon his quality, when needed, to see things out. Get Wilson back, and Newcastle have some canny ‘finishers’ in their ranks.