Player ratings from Newcastle 4-3 Forest - Two 8.5s and a few 5/10s

A game of two halves featuring an 11-minute blitz to send us 4-1 up and an awful second half that left us hanging on.

But, a win is a win and it’s a massive one in our push for Champions League football, sending us back up to fifth and just three behind Forest.

Here are our ratings and comments on each player involved in today’s 4-3 victory:

Pope (6) - Positioning suspect for the opening goal and typically poor with the ball at his feet. For balance, his distribution was good and directly led to an Isak goal.

Livramento (6) - Restored to the starting line up and had a mixed game. Gave the ball away a few times but his pace got him out of trouble on more than one occasion

Schar (5.5) - Passing range seems to have deserted him as his patchy form continues. Looked far too casual at times and is definitely benefiting from a lack of competition.

Burn (7) - Aside from one calamitous error that nearly resulted in a goal and a few shaky moments in the second half, he handled everything really well and gave Wood very little all game.

Hall (8.5) - Best performance in a long time. Last ditch tackles, dynamic dribbling to get out of trouble and a couple of assists. Contributed in both attack and defence, playing a key role in three of our four goals.

Miley (8.5) - Scored the crucial equaliser but it was his composure on the ball which stood out. Plays well beyond his years and was the best on the pitch for us today. Won a fair few aerial duels too.

Guimaraes (6.5) - It’s just not clicking for Bruno lately. Was the least effective midfielder on the pitch which is something we’re not accustomed to. Did his customary yell to the crowd after winning a throw in but didn’t do anything to get the crowd excited at all.

Willock (8) - In the first half Willock was unplayable, second half he was anonymous but he wasn’t alone. Dynamic running with the ball in the first 45 was a real highlight and he was winning all his individual duels, also setting up Isak’s second. Hooked in the second half as he started to look a bit leggy.

Murphy (5) - Arguably his poorest game in a while yet he still got his name on the scoresheet. Calamitous giveaway for the opening goal and conceded possession far too often in the first half. Quiet in the second before he was hooked.

Gordon (7) - Rare to see him have no goal involvements when we score four but he was a nuisance for Aina at right back. Ran his socks off but no end product today.

Isak (8) - Not sure the penalty went exactly as intended but a double takes him to 50 goals in the Premier League. Hold up play weak at times but there is no better sight than watching Isak running with the ball, with his run and flick key for our second goal before scoring our third and fourth. £150mil isn’t enough!

Subs:

Barnes (5) - Came on at a time that Forest had control of the game. Given very few opportunities to show anything in an attacking sense

Tonali (6) - Brought on with the remit to calm things down and regain control in the midfield but it never really eventuated. Have to assume he wasn’t 100% fit

Wilson (4) - Couldn’t hold it up and should’ve squared it to Gordon at the end. Wasted a few chances to run the clock down in a short but poor cameo.