With his first win as manager since replacing Steve Cooper, Nuno Espirito Santo’s Nottingham Forest team was led by Chris Wood.
The New Zealand striker moved the Tricky Trees up to 16th place in the Premier League standings with a hat-trick against his old club, Newcastle, to complete a remarkable 3-1 victory at St. James’ Park.
Alexander Isak’s penalty gave Eddie Howe’s team the advantage on home ground, but Wood was there to square the score just before halftime with a tap-in.
Before scoring his third goal on the hour mark, the former Magpies centre striker scored an incredible solo goal shortly after halftime.
Wood stated: “It was great for the side to get the three points we needed.” It’s not easy to come here. The boys performed incredibly well.
“We thought we performed better in the second half and were the superior team. Getting the three points is nice.
“I don’t care where I get points! It’s good to be returning to Newcastle; I had a terrific time working with the guys here.”
In his post-match interview, Forest captain Morgan Gibbs-White highlighted Wood’s contributions and emphasised the necessity for his team to develop a “identity” under Nuno’s leadership.
“It begins at the beginning of the week when we begin building into the game,” he stated. It’s about using our preferred playing styles to create our own identities.
“Today, we demonstrated that and gave Wood, the great man, credit. Today, he scored three outstanding goals.”
With a home encounter against Manchester United on December 30, Forest will have little time to savour their thrilling triumph on Tyneside.
