Howe admits Newcastle had to overcome ’emotional’ spell to beat Nottm Forest – ‘the goal rocked us’ | OneFootball

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Football365

·17 March 2023

Howe admits Newcastle had to overcome ’emotional’ spell to beat Nottm Forest – ‘the goal rocked us’

Article image:Howe admits Newcastle had to overcome ’emotional’ spell to beat Nottm Forest – ‘the goal rocked us’

Eddie Howe has admitted that Newcastle United were “rocked” by Nottingham Forest but his side “did enough” to earn all three points.

Newcastle faced a tough challenge at The City Ground. Nottm Forest went into Friday night’s clash on a nine-game unbeaten home run in the Premier League.


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The Magpies started well but Forest went a goal in front against the run of play. Sven Botman got his back pass wrong and the ball was picked up by Emmanuel Dennis, who found the net via an exquisite chip.

Howe’s side did not lie down though. Alexander Isak equalised just before half-time as his brilliant volley beat Forest goalkeeper Keylor Navas.

Newcastle kicked on after the interval, but it looked like they would be left frustrated at full-time. 20-year-old Elliot Anderson had a goal ruled out for offside but they were gifted a spot-kick in stoppage time as Moussa Niakhate handled the ball in the penalty area.

Isak stepped up to take the penalty and he calmly converted past Navas to earn Newcastle three points. This win leaves them just one point adrift of fourth-placed Spurs with a game in hand.

Howe stated post-match that Newcastle were “rocked” by Forest’s goal and that his players “got a bit emotional” during that stretch of the game.

“There was a lot in that game it was action-packed,” Howe told BBC Match of the Day.

“I thought we did enough to win. I think there was a spell where we lost control in the first half. Apart from that we were the dominant team and didn’t deserve to go behind but delighted to win it is a big three points.

“Whenever you come back it is a satisfying feeling and to score that late is another boost. I think today was always going to be difficult but I think we deserved it.

“There was a spell where we lost our way and got a bit emotional the goal rocked us apart from that we created chances. The character shown in the group was fantastic.

“I saw the arm go up and the ball hit the arm for me that is a stonewall penalty.

“Alexander Isak took our last penalty and scored it really well Kieran Trippier is an incredible penalty taker but Alex is our designated taker and he took it really well.

“It was a difficult experience in the cup final because we were desperate to win but the players have responded brilliantly.

“The fans never disappoint and they were a feature in the game which is rare for the away crowd.”

Isak thinks Newcastle “showed great character” to edge past Nottingham Forest.

“We know it is a hard ground to come and take three points and we got off to a bad start but the team showed good character,” Isak added.

“I think we showed great character and kept pushing the disallowed goal didn’t change our momentum we kept controlling the game and had chances.

“We are always dangerous and create chances it is just a matter of whether it goes in or not.

“We believe and we know that we have it in our own hands and have a good chance. We have to keep on taking it one game at a time and try to win.

“It is important we have gone into this break with a good feeling with two wins from two games.”

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