3 Positives and 3 Negatives to take from Newcastle 2 Nottingham Forest 0 | OneFootball

It ended Newcastle 2 Nottingham Forest 0.

Ahead of each game we ask one of our writers to come up with three positives and three negatives following the match.

An interesting game at St James’ Park…

Plenty to talk about after this one.

On this occasion it is David Punton:

POSITIVES

Vital victory

I always felt this was one we had to win.

It’s an important three points, propelling us up the table heading into the two week break.

It’s a scramble for points at the moment and we really had to cash in against a Forest side struggling sine the inexplicable change of manager.

We created plenty of chances and we still have Wissa to come back in to add a few more goals into the mix.

Hail the maestros

Bruno and Tonali were head and shoulders above the rest in midfield.

The engine room was at the heart of this deserved win.

Both players just pull the strings. Absolutely class, with Bruno capping it off with a sublime goal from the edge of the box.

Players like him offer the key moments when it’s tight.

Watertight

Botman and Thiaw are now surely cemented as the first choice pairing in defence?

They look good as a pairing, combining skill with considerable height and quality defending.

Add in the form of Nick Pope – six clean sheets in all competitions – and things are really looking up.

NEGATIVES

Chances go begging

We should have scored more.

So many chances went begging when wonderful opportunities came along, many shots thumped straight at the keeper.

Concerns at full-back

The absence of Hall was a blow and Tino is already a big miss.

Tripps and Burn bring bags of experience but there are a few question marks.

Are we weak in these areas?

The age old debate on whether Dan Burn is a left-back, has reared its head again.

While Tripps, despite his vast experience, looks like getting done for pace a bit more than he used to be.

Momentum lost?

The latest international break is a pain.

The conclusion of this game now sees us having to wait two weeks for another match, just as momentum has been built.

Newcastle 2 Nottingham Forest 0 – Sunday 5 October 2025 2pm

(Stats via BBC Sport)

Goals:

Newcastle United:

Bruno 58 Woltemade 84 pen

Forest:

Possession was Newcastle 52% Forest 48%

Total shots were Newcastle 18 Forest 5

Shots on target were Newcastle 9 Forest 4

Corners were Newcastle 8 Forest 1

Touches in the box Newcastle 33 Forest 16

Newcastle team v Forest:

Pope, Trippier, Thiaw, Botman, Burn, Bruno, Joelinton (Miley 92), Tonali, Gordon (Barnes 70), Woltemade (Osula 92), Elanga (Murphy 70)

Unused subs:

Ramsdale, Krafth, Willock, Lascelles, Schar

(Match Report – Today was a welcome return to such happiness… Read HERE)

(Newcastle 2 Nottingham Forest 0 – Match ratings and comments on all Newcastle United players – Read HERE)

(BBC Sport comments from ‘neutrals’ – Interesting on Newcastle United after 2-0 Forest match – Read HERE)

(Newcastle 2 Nottingham Forest 0 – Instant Newcastle United fan/writer reaction – Read HERE)

Newcastle United fixtures (All of the Champions League matches will also be available to watch on TV in the UK):

Saturday 18 October – Brighton v Newcastle (3pm)

Tuesday 21st October: Newcastle United vs Benfica (8pm)

Saturday 25 October – Newcastle v Fulham (3pm)

Wednesday 29 October – Newcastle v Spurs (8pm) ITV and Sky Sports

Sunday 2 November – West Ham v Newcastle (2pm) Sky Sports

Wednesday 5th November: Newcastle United vs Athletic Club (8pm)

Sunday 9 November – Brentford v Newcastle (2pm) Sky Sports