Joelinton’s Masterclass Makes it 9 in a Row at the City Ground 💪

👋 He’s Brazilian, he only cost 40 million… With back-to-back Premier League wins, we finally seem to be building some momentum and closing in on the top four – let’s break it down.

In today’s NUFC Pitch Notes 👇

• 🏟️ Newcastle make it 9 unbeaten PL games in a row at the City Ground.

• 💪 The surprising stat that shows just how versatile Joelinton really is.

• 😔 The Lasses stumble with their 2nd league defeat of the season.

🗓️ ON THIS DAY

On this day in 1905, Newcastle United achieved an unforgettable 8-0 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers at St. James' Park. Just 13 years into it’s existence, this remains one of the club's biggest wins in it’s history.

It was part of a dominant season for Newcastle, who were beginning to establish themselves as a force in English football, following their first Division 1 winning season in 1905.

📋 THE MATCH REPORT

Comeback Win Leaves the Magpies Just a Point Off the Top Four 🔝

Sunday’s clash against high-flying Nottingham Forest looked like a challenge on paper, especially after Forest took an early lead at home with a set-piece goal.

Forest fans might have been counting on that early strike from Murillo to keep their home streak alive, but for us, that goal was more like a wake-up call.

The first half saw Newcastle create that majority of chances, but it was only after the break that we really switched on.

Isak, looking more like his old self, equalized in the 54th minute, capitalizing on a loose ball from a corner to sweep in a composed finish - making it 4 goals in his last 4 games.

With momentum on their side, Newcastle began to press Forest higher up the pitch, and it wasn’t long before Isak turned provider, setting up our Brazilian powerhouse for the second goal.

Joelinton, who had an outstanding afternoon, delivered a brilliantly curled shot that went in off the post, leaving Matz Sels rooted to the spot - it’s been great to see Joe’s change of position once again paying off.

And once again, Harvey Barnes made an instant impact off the bench with a trademark goal from the left to put the game to bed.

This win nudges us just a single point off the top four, making it back-to-back league victories after last week’s top performance against against Arsenal.

Eddie seems to have finally found a new winning formula, with the new midfield setup seemingly giving us the stability we needed.

With Joelinton higher up the pitch, Gordon switching to the right and Longstaff back in the team, we’ve gained more unpredictability in attack, without suffering defensively.

Not the best timing with the international break coming up, but it’s safe to say we’re back in the hunt for Champions League spots.

🤔 WHO AM I?

💯 MAG OF THE MATCH

A Powerhouse Performance: Joelinton – 9 🔥

He was a powerhouse on both ends of the pitch, demonstrating his quality partnership with Willock in the first half, before grabbing the winning goal in the second.

He not only contributed offensively, but his work defensively was absolutely vital, shutting down Forest’s attacks.

It was a complete performance that reminded us of his unbelievable versatility and outstanding work rate at both ends of the pitch.

Notable mentions 💪

• Lewis Hall – 8

  Defensively, he handled Forest’s attacks with composure, while offensively, he provided great width and support in the build-up. He’s making his presence known, once again demonstrating just how much he’s grown in this side this season.

• Bruno Guimarães – 8

  His ability to dictate the tempo and keep the ball moving was crucial, especially when the game started to get scrappy. While others around him were getting flustered, Bruno kept his head, breaking up play and orchestrating our forward momentum.

• Alexander Isak – 7

  Much more like the Isak we want to see! His goal was a classic striker's finish, pouncing when it mattered most. There were signs of improvement in his hold-up play and link-up with teammates, something that’s been lacking at times this season.

📊 GAME BY NUMBERS

• ⚽️ Isak has now scored 4 goals in his last 4 games, in all competitions.

• 🏟️ Newcastle are unbeaten in 9 straight PL away days at Nottingham Forest.

• 🔥 We've won 3 successive games in all competitions for the first time since October 2023.

• 💪 Despite playing in attack, Joelinton still make the most tackles (3) in the match.

• 🧠 Isak, Gordon and Willock each created 3 chances each, the most of any other players..

• 🎯 Lewis Hall completed a total of 71 passes with an accuracy of 92%.

👑 THE LASSES

Lasses Stumble: Bristol City Women 2 - 0 Newcastle United Women 😔

Bristol City claimed a 2-0 win over Newcastle at Ashton Gate, with goals from Mari Ward and Lexi Lloyd-Smith either side of half-time sealing all three points.

Despite a strong start from Newcastle, who looked to control possession early on, they struggled to break down Bristol's defence.

The Magpies’ best early chance came after seven minutes, when Shania Hayles set up Lois Joel, but the Welsh forward's shot from the edge of the box went wide.

Bristol City began to find their rhythm as the first half progressed. A missed clearance from Newcastle allowed Ward to strike in the second minute of added time, putting the hosts ahead.

The Robins came out strong in the second half and doubled their lead in the 47th minute through Lloyd-Smith, who was quick to capitalize on a loose ball in the box.

Despite a late numerical advantage following a red card for Sille Struck, Newcastle couldn't break down City’s solid defence.

Amber-Keegan Stobbs came closest with a long-range shot, but it was comfortably saved by Fran Bentley, who remained largely untroubled throughout.

👋 Thats all for this week but if you want to catch up on anything you might have missed, you can read more over on our website. 

P.S. The answer to “who am I” is the frenchman Loïc Rémy.