Alexander Isak scored in each half’s added time to give the Magpies a dramatic 2-1 win at Nottingham Forest on Friday night. It was no less than what the black and whites deserved after dominating for most of the 90 minutes at City Ground.Isak scored the winner from the spot in the dying seconds to boost Newcastle’s chances of getting a top-four finish this season. What a night for the African boy and his team!Sven Botman received recognition for his displays this season in the form of a Netherlands national team call-up, but his move midway through the first half was not up to the international standard. The former Lille defender played a blind back pass towards his goalkeeper Nick Pope, but he wasn’t aware of the lurking Emmanuel Dennis. The Nigerian picked up the stray pass and lifted the ball over Pope and Kieran Trippier to give Forest the lead.Alexander Isak is the real deal. Quality striker with an UNREAL finish👏🏼 pic.twitter.com/x5tKMi3FFH— Roberto Rojas (@RobertoRojas97) March 17, 2023 The goal appeared to kill the visitors’ confidence, as the home crowd pushed the boys in red shirts to attack more. But Eddie Howe’s Magpies summoned their composure and made it 1-1 in the first half added time. Joe Willock escaped down the right and floated a cross that evaded all defenders and fell for Isak. The Eritrean boy didn’t have much time to react, but he did great to make contact with his shin and send the ball into the far corner beyond Keylor Navas’ reach.The Magpies started the second period strongly and looked like the team was more likely to score. Substitute Eliott Anderson scored with a header at the far post after some dazzling footwork by Isak. Still, after the celebrations died out, a long VAR review determined that there was a Newcastle player offside in the build-up.Robbed Isak of a world class assist I’m sick to my stomach pic.twitter.com/qnS1NjtBiR— BDM🇪🇷 (@bennufc_18) March 17, 2023 The visitors proceeded to attack still, searching for that crucial second goal, but Forest defended in numbers and made their box so crowded that Newcastle players often ran into walls in trying to walk the ball in.Anderson, who replaced Allan Saint-Maximin at the break, combined nicely with Dan Burn and Willock on the left side of the pitch and had another strong effort beaten away by Navas. But time after time – Forest players proved either lucky or determined enough to keep the score level and gain a point that would prove very valuable indeed in their battle for Premier League survival. However, a moment of madness from Serge Aurier cost them dearly.The Ivorian handled the ball in his area and the ref pointed to the spot, giving Isak the chance to win the game for the visitors. The Sweden international made no mistake and propelled Howe’s team in the chase for continental competitions.PREMIER LEAGUE – Matchday 28Friday Nottingham Forest – Newcastle United 1-2 (1-1)/Dennis 26 – Isak 45+2, 90+3 pen/Saturday 18.00: (2.30) Wolverhampton (3.15) Leeds (3.35)18.00: (4.80) Southampton (3.60) Tottenham (1.85)18.00: (2.00) Brentford (3.60) Leicester (4.00)18.00: (1.75) Aston Villa (3.70) Bournemouth (5.40)20.30: (1.47) Chelsea (4.10) Everton (7.75)Sunday 17.00: (1.27) Arsenal (5.50) Crystal Palace (12.0)***odds are subject to change***
