Nottingham Forest 1-1 Newcastle (3-4 on Penalties): Sean Longstaff Secures Spot-Kick Victory
Newcastle United defeated Nottingham Forest on penalties in a thrilling Carabao Cup second-round match that saw Sandro Tonali make his eagerly awaited comeback from a 10-month betting ban.
Within 19 seconds, Joe Willock gave Newcastle the lead, but Jota Silva’s equalizer in the second half necessitated a penalty shootout. Sean Longstaff’s game-winning penalty gave the Magpies a 4-3 shootout victory.
The excitement around Wednesday’s second-round match was focused on the 24-year-old midfielder, who was serving a global suspension for breaking Italian gambling laws and was making his first competitive appearance.
In just 19 seconds, Tonali, playing for Newcastle for the first time in 308 days, showed glimpses of his brilliance by contributing to the build-up to Joe Willock’s first goal. Regarding the Italy international, Magpies manager Eddie Howe stated, “I thought he did well.” He performed in a few exquisite short scenes.
“Considering that he hasn’t played in many games, he performed well in terms of fitness. He should be incredibly happy with the response he received at the end from the Newcastle fans, in my opinion. The sheer number of Italian flags waving among the supporters was evident.
“There is a lot of emotion coming from both Sandro’s and the supporters’ sides, naturally. For any player, such relationship is crucial, and it will greatly benefit him. However, it was a fantastic day for him, a wonderful comeback, and terrific outcome.”
After ninety minutes, the match ended 1-1 with the visitors winning 4-3 on penalties. The home team’s debutante Jota Silva tied the score early in the second half for Forest.
After newcomer Carlos Miguel parried Joelinton’s shot, the hosts were dreaming of progress. However, Ibrahim Sangare struck the crossbar, and then Awoniyi soared over, allowing Sean Longstaff to win it for Newcastle. After falling behind after just 19 seconds, Forest rallied to win the game, showcasing their ten changes from the previous weekend.
Newcastle handled a long ball and broke quickly. Miguel Almiron, who deftly put Alexander Isak in behind with a first-time pass, was urged through by Tonali. Miguel stopped the striker’s low effort, but he was only able to move into Willock’s path so that he could convert from close range.
If Forest’s goalkeeper hadn’t spread himself to deny the returning Tonali a goal in the third minute, Newcastle’s excellent start may have taken even greater advantage.
Jota beat Nick Pope to a cross, and Dan Burn cleared off the line, seemingly igniting the hosts into action. Even after suffering numerous injuries recently, Newcastle’s striker Willock hobbled off in the fifteenth minute, but they were still a threat.
In a half that concluded with Ramon Sosa’s teasing free-kick seemingly missing the mark, Almiron and Joelinton made attempts. Five minutes after the interval, Forest had leveled up, having grown into the proceedings.
When rookie Alex Moreno’s throw-in went unanswered by Newcastle, summer acquisition Jota responded with an incredible shot that sailed in off the woodwork.
With an audacious clipped effort against his former club, Elliot Anderson came dangerously close to scoring for Forest, who were clearly in the driving seat.
With around 30 minutes left in this match, both teams made adjustments. To the cheers of the traveling supporters, Tonali was replaced by Longstaff. The hosts’ lackluster effort was held by Nicolas Dominguez, but Newcastle was making the most of their chances to win.
Burn attempted a header that missed the mark, and Harvey Barnes struck the side net with a rocket after Tino Livramento had deftly sidestepped his opponent and cut back to him.
Before penalties, Miguel stopped a left-footed attempt by Lewis Hall as Newcastle pressed for a late goal. After the first three penalties were successfully converted, Miguel ducked to his right to deny fellow Brazilian Joelinton.
With the win in sight, Forest was about to celebrate when Sangare struck the crossbar and Awoniyi, following Anthony Gordon’s equalizer, crashed well over the bar. Longstaff maintained his cool to ensure Newcastle’s advancement.
