Howe concedes enthralling Newcastle win felt like defeat after Forest comeback

Newcastle United held on for a vital victory over Nottingham Forest, but Eddie Howe says his side’s second-half collapse left the 4-3 win feeling like a defeat.

Howe’s hosts surged into a 4-1 lead in a chaotic first half, with Alexander Isak scoring twice, along with goals for Jacob Murphy and Lewis Miley, after Callum Hudson-Odoi’s sixth-minute opener.

Nikola Milenkovic pulled one back in the second period, however, before Ryan Yates’ 90th-minute strike teed up an avoidable nervy ending.

Newcastle survived the waves of late pressure, though, clinging on for the win to move into fifth in the Premier League table, just three points shy of Forest.

Despite the crucial three points, Newcastle manager Howe was left disappointed after an enthralling contest on Sunday at St. James’ Park.

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