From Wood's Revenge to St James' Boos: Forest Roar Back to Life, Crushing Newcastle Dreams

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The ghosts of St James' Park were not so friendly for Newcastle United on Boxing Day, as Nottingham Forest, under the newly anointed Nuno Espirito Santo, ripped through the Magpies with a resounding 3-1 victory. This was more than just a win for Forest; it was a statement, a declaration of defiance against relegation, and a sweet homecoming for former Newcastle striker Chris Wood, who haunted his old club with a clinical hat-trick.

Newcastle started brighter, and Alexander Isak capitalized on a dubious penalty call to give them the lead. But the joy was short-lived. Just before halftime, Wood silenced the home crowd with a deft touch and precise finish, igniting a Forest fightback that would leave St James' Park stunned.

The second half was all Forest. Bruno Guimarães and Sean Longstaff were overrun in midfield, as Morgan Gibbs-White and Anthony Elanga terrorized the Newcastle defense. Wood, feeding off their service, was simply unstoppable. A classy lob over Dubravka put Forest ahead, and a composed finish after a defensive error sealed his hat-trick and Newcastle's fate.

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The final whistle was met with boos raining down from the stands, and rightly so. This was a performance to forget for Eddie Howe's men, six defeats in seven games painting a grim picture of their recent form. They'll need a response, and a strong one, when they travel to Anfield on New Year's Day.

For Forest, though, this was a day of pure elation. Nuno's first win in charge not only ended their seven-game winless streak but also moved them five points clear of the relegation zone. The energy and fighting spirit they displayed were a stark contrast to their recent struggles, and they'll look to build on this momentum when they host Manchester United next week.

The Boxing Day clash at St James' Park wasn't just about three points; it was about resilience, redemption, and the ghosts of Christmas past. Forest exorcised their demons, but for Newcastle, the ghosts of their recent struggles haunt them still. It's a tale of two teams heading in opposite directions, and the Premier League stage is set for their next chapters to unfold in the coming days.

Will Forest build on their newfound momentum? Can Newcastle silence the doubts at Anfield? Share your thoughts in the comments below!