So far, Newcastle United's 2024/25 campaign start hasn't been convincing. Even though the Premier League club has 4 points against its name, standing in 6th position in the Premier League table, the club's performances haven't felt incredible. While the Magpies club had put on an impressive display in the Bournemouth game, the club again gave flashes of a mediocre one in their outing in the Carabao Cup.
Newcastle United edge past Nottingham Forest in the Carabao Cup
Newcastle United was set to face Nottingham Forest in the 2nd round of the Carabao Cup, and coming on the back of a fighting performance against Bournemouth, everyone expected it to be clear for the club. Ultimately, Newcastle did win the fixture; however, certainly, Magpies boss Howe won't be happy with the club's performance.
In search of silverware for the club's trophy cabinet, Eddie Howe had started his full-strength squad against Nottingham Forest, whose lineup featured four debutants. Considering Newcastle's form and Nottingham's previous two seasons PL records, it seemed sufficient that it must be an easy one for Howe's side, but it didn't turn out that way.
Initially, it looked nothing less than spectacular, as Joe Willock opened the scoring for Newcastle just 18 seconds into the fixture. In only the first opportunity of the game, Miguel Almiron played a tremendous pass to Isak. Even though Isak couldn't manage it himself, his shot came deflected directly in front of Willock, who scored it in the open goal, making it 1-0.
Despite going one down this early, Nottingham, unlike everyone's expectations, in some aspects, outplayed Howe's side. After looking comfortable in the game for quite a while, the moment arrived when a stunning shot from Jota Silva had Nick Pope left stunned, equalizing it for Nottingham in the 50th minute.
In the remaining minutes, even though chances were being made by both clubs, the scoreline remained the same. A draw at the end of 90 minutes of regular play meant the match went to penalties. Even in the Penalties, Joelinton's shot being saved by Carlos Miguel had the Magpies club behind; however, with the Nottingham side missing on the last two attempts, Newcastle registered a victory.
Overall, even though Newcastle has won the game against Nottingham, making progress in their hopes of the Carabao Cup, the Magpies club definitely needs a lot of improvement going into the long season.