In a spectacular Boxing Day showdown, Nottingham Forest, under the leadership of Nuno Espirito Santo, secured their first victory as Chris Wood’s hat-trick powered them to a thrilling 3-1 win over Newcastle United at St James’ Park.
The match unfolded as a tale of redemption for Wood, who faced his former club with determination. Down 1-0 after Alexander Isak’s 23rd-minute penalty, Wood swiftly brought Forest level with a close-range finish just before half-time. The second half showcased Wood’s brilliance, as he notched two more goals within seven minutes, eluding a vulnerable Newcastle defense.
Wood’s second goal demonstrated finesse as he skillfully navigated past the disorganized Newcastle backline. The hat-trick was sealed when he calmly rounded Martin Dubravka, taking his tally to three goals in just 14 minutes – a remarkable feat and only the fourth Premier League player to achieve a hat-trick against a former club.
Despite Newcastle’s efforts, led by manager Eddie Howe, they couldn’t break through Forest’s resolute defense. This defeat marked only their second home league loss of the season, adding to a string of disappointments in December, including exits from the Champions League and Carabao Cup.
Wood’s triumphant return to St James’ Park, where he had previously scored once during his Newcastle tenure, highlighted the impact of Nuno’s tactical changes. The victory ended Forest’s seven-game winless streak in the Premier League, providing a much-needed boost as they look ahead to future challenges.
As Newcastle reflects on a challenging month and contemplates tough fixtures against Liverpool, Sunderland, Manchester City, and Aston Villa in the upcoming year, Nottingham Forest celebrates a spirited comeback, setting a positive tone under their new manager’s guidance.
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