Nottingham Forest boss gives stark Newcastle verdict…

Nottingham Forest boss gives stark Newcastle verdict as debutant makes 'tough' admission

Here’s the latest Nottingham Forest news on Sunday, August 7, 2022.

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Nottingham Forest were given a baptism of fire back in the Premier League as an impressive Newcastle United side beat the Reds 2-0. Second-half goals from Fabian Schar and Callum Wilson were enough for the home side to secure the win.

No less than eight players made their professional debut for Forest in the fixture. But the home side won the possession battle and had chance after chance through the game, having a total of 23 attempts with 10 on target with Forest failing to register an attempt on target, struggling to bring the forward players into play.

Cooper's honest assessment

Nottingham Forest head coach Steve Cooper thought the Reds "fell short" in their performance at Newcastle United on Saturday - but says they will "live and learn". Forest lost 2-0 at St James' Park after second-half strikes from Fabian Schar and Callum Wilson.

The home side dominated possession and had 23 attempts with 10 on target compared to Forest's five attempts with none on target. Cooper had named six players making their professional debut for the club in his starting XI, and brought on two more later in the game.

Forest did enjoy a spell of possession with around 20 minutes to go, but Wilson's neat chip late on took the wind out of Forest's sails after Schar broke the deadlock in the 58th minute with a sensational 25-yard strike. Cooper wanted to see more from the Reds in the defeat though, and did not think his side were good enough at bringing the front three into play.

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'Tough' admission made

Nottingham Forest summer signing Neco Williams has admitted after the 2-0 defeat to Newcastle United that the squad are still getting to know each other due to "players coming in left, right and centre" during this transfer window.

The Wales international is one of 12 new arrivals at the City Ground following their promotion to the Premier League and was one of eight to feature at St James' Park on Saturday afternoon. Williams was fielded at right wing-back by head coach Steve Cooper, with Harry Toffolo on the opposite side with Moussa Niakhaté slotting into the centre of the back three.

In midfield, Lewis O'Brien joined Jack Colback in the middle, while Jesse Lingard was also involved from the off. Orel Mangala and Taiwo Awoniyi were both turned from the bench by Cooper in the second half.

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Howe pays Forest compliment

Newcastle United head coach Eddie Howe was complimentary of how Nottingham Forest defended and kept the match in the balance before Fabian Schär's second-half stunner broke the deadlock at St James' Park.

The Reds were on the verge of reaching the hour-mark with the scores still level before the Newcastle defender picked out the top corner from distance and beat Dean Henderson on his competitive Forest debut. Callum Wilson then sealed the result 12 minutes from time with a fine finish to render the efforts of Steve Cooper 's side without a reward.

Howe himself admitted that during his half-time team talk he emphasised his players about keeping their composure and staying disciplined in their approach in the face of Forest's rear-guard effort. The Newcastle boss was, though, ultimately positive about their performance in its entirety.

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