Newcastle United secured a 2-0 victory over Nottingham Forest at St James’ Park, marking their second Premier League win of the season. Bruno Guimaraes opened the scoring with a superb strike from outside the penalty box in the 58th minute, while Nick Woltemade sealed the win with a late penalty.
Woltemade’s goal made him only the third Newcastle United player to score in each of his first three Premier League starts at St James’ Park, joining the exclusive club of Les Ferdinand and Alan Shearer. The penalty decision, awarded after Elliot Anderson fouled his captain, was emphatically converted by Woltemade into the top corner.
Despite protests from Nottingham Forest players and staff claiming a foul in the build-up to Guimaraes’ goal, both the referee and VAR upheld the decision. Former Premier League referee Dermot Gallagher concurred, stating there was no clear foul in the lead-up to the goal.
After criticism from Nottingham Forest manager Ange Postecoglou about the decision-making process involving VAR, Gallagher defended the referee, emphasizing that the right calls were made in both instances. The penalty awarded to Newcastle for Anderson’s foul on Guimaraes was also considered by Gallagher as a justified decision, describing it as a “clumsy” challenge.
Newcastle United climbed to 11th in the Premier League standings with this victory, heading into the international break with two consecutive wins. Their upcoming challenge will be an away fixture against Brighton, a team they haven’t defeated at the Amex Stadium in nearly ten years.
