Newcastle United delivered a composed and clinical performance to dispatch Nottingham Forest 2-0 at St. James’ Park on Sunday afternoon, climbing up the Premier League table with a victory built around midfield authority and second-half sharpness.

The Magpies struggled for clear chances in a slow-burning first half, where Forest’s resistance was defined by two early yellow cards in quick succession—midfielder Ryan Yates cautioned in the 32nd minute, followed moments later by defender Neco Williams. Forest’s approach, at times physical, disrupted Newcastle’s rhythm but failed to yield attacking momentum for the visitors.

After the break, Newcastle’s quality began to tell. The breakthrough arrived in the 58th minute after a patient spell of pressure. Defender Dan Burn surged forward from the back and found Bruno Guimaraes at the edge of the box; the Brazilian controlled expertly and rifled a low shot past the Forest goalkeeper, sending the home fans into raptures. Guimaraes’ goal reflected Newcastle’s increasing dominance in possession and territory as Forest’s efforts to contain the hosts began to unravel.

Forest bossed possession in spells but created little of note going forward, their attempts consistently breaking down before troubling Nick Pope. A flurry of yellow cards for Forest—Morato in the 68th minute and Elliot Anderson in the 83rd—highlighted the visitors’ frustration as they chased the game.

Newcastle’s clincher came in the 84th minute after substitute Anthony Gordon’s darting run led to a penalty, which Nick Woltemade converted with composure, sending the keeper the wrong way to seal the result. The German striker’s confident spot-kick capped a strong cameo off the bench and confirmed a deserved three points for Eddie Howe’s side.

Forest rolled the dice with a trio of substitutions between the 64th and 77th minutes, introducing Chris Wood, Yates, and D. Ndoye, but nothing blunted Newcastle’s control of proceedings. Eddie Howe’s own substitutions—most notably Gordon’s injection of pace and Joelinton’s late industry—ensured the Magpies never relinquished control.

For Newcastle, this win offers a blueprint for pushing back into European places: resolute defending, midfield dynamism, and ruthlessness in key moments. Bruno Guimaraes was the game’s orchestrator, while Nick Woltemade’s late penalty underlined the squad’s growing depth.

For Forest—a side well-organized but short of attacking spark—the result will sting, particularly after their defensive discipline faded under Newcastle’s pressure.

St. James’ Park left with smiles, as Newcastle notched a crucial home victory and sent an early message of intent for the season ahead.