St James’ Park, Newcastle: In a remarkable twist of fate, Chris Wood, formerly of Newcastle, emerged as the hero for Nottingham Forest, scoring a sensational hat-trick to deliver a 3-1 victory for Nuno Espirito Santo’s side. This critical win not only marked Santo’s first as the head coach of Forest but also propelled the team five points clear of the relegation zone, while Newcastle suffered their fourth defeat in five Premier League games.
Early Dominance and a Surprising Turnaround
The match at St James’ Park saw Newcastle initially take the lead, with Alexander Isak winning and converting a penalty in the 23rd minute, bringing an early advantage to the home side. However, Forest’s resilience was on full display as Chris Wood levelled the score just before the halftime whistle.
Wood’s Decisive Strikes
The second half brought further dismay for Newcastle fans as Wood, who had struggled to find his form at St James’ Park as a Newcastle player, scored twice more in the 53rd and 60th minutes. These goals not only secured his hat-trick but also placed him in the record books as the second Forest player to achieve this feat in the Premier League and the first to score a top-flight treble on Boxing Day in six years.
Match Dynamics and Key Moments
Newcastle’s lineup saw two changes from their last defeat, with Sven Botman and Alexander Isak stepping in. Conversely, Nuno Espirito Santo made six changes to the Forest team from their previous match against AFC Bournemouth.
The game was a showcase of end-to-end action, with both teams creating significant chances. Newcastle nearly regained the lead through Isak and Miguel Almiron, but Forest’s goalkeeper, Turner, made crucial saves. Morgan Gibbs-White and Anthony Elanga played pivotal roles in Forest’s attacks, with Elanga assisting in Wood’s first goal and creating significant opportunities.
Historical Context and Aftermath
Wood’s performance places him among an elite group of players who have scored hat-tricks against their former clubs, a list that includes Andy Cole, Marcus Bent, and Josh King. The victory brings Forest to 16th in the league standings, while Newcastle’s defeat leaves them in seventh place, now seven points adrift of fourth-placed Tottenham Hotspur.
In summary, Nottingham Forest’s triumph at St James’ Park, spearheaded by Chris Wood’s exceptional hat-trick, signifies a pivotal moment in their Premier League campaign, offering hope for their fight against relegation. For Newcastle, it’s a time for introspection and regrouping as they aim to reclaim their form in the top tier of English football.
