Newcastle’s troubles continued to deepen as Chris Wood scored a hat-trick against his former club to help Nottingham Forest to a 3-1 win at St James’ Park.
December may have started with a victory over Manchester United but it’s turned into a miserable month for Eddie Howe’s side, who have now won one of their last seven games and been eliminated from the Champions League and Carabao Cup in a matter of weeks.
It all started so well for the hosts on Boxing Day, with Alexander Isak’s penalty giving them the lead against a Forest side that began the game slowly in Nuno Espirito Santo’s second match in charge.
But Wood led the fightback against the club he left in January, equalising in first-half stoppage time before producing two brilliantly composed finishes to complete his hat-trick.
Newcastle never looked like producing a comeback of their own and now face the daunting prospect of starting 2024 with fixtures against Liverpool, Sunderland, Manchester City and Aston Villa.
More to follow…
What’s next?
Newcastle’s next game is at Liverpool on New Year’s Day, live on Monday Night Football; kick-off 8pm.
Monday 1st January 6:30pm
Kick off 8:00pm
The Magpies then travel to rivals Sunderland in the FA Cup third round on Saturday January 6; kick-off 12.45pm.
Nottingham Forest are next in action on Saturday when they host Manchester United, live on Sky Sports; kick-off 5.30pm.
Saturday 30th December 5:00pm
Kick off 5:30pm
Nuno Espirito Santo’s side then welcome Blackpool to the City Ground in the FA Cup third round on Sunday January 7; kick-off 2pm.