Nottingham Forest player ratings – Dennis scores but Niakhate error punished by Newcastle United

Nottingham Forest’s nine-match unbeaten run at home in the Premier League came to an end as they were toppled 2-1 by Newcastle United.

The Reds survived a couple of early scares when Joe Willock blazed over from close range and Renan Lodi flicked Alexander Isak’s effort onto the bar following a clever free-kick routine. But having come through a spell of pressure, they took the lead courtesy of an exquisite finish.

Under pressure from Andre Ayew, Sven Botman’s loose back pass was pounced upon by Emmanuel Dennis. The forward lifted the ball over Nick Pope in superb fashion to make it 1-0 with 26 minutes on the clock.

Brennan Johnson had drawn a save from Pope prior to that, but Forest again had the woodwork to thank for keeping the visitors at bay as a Sean Longstaff effort deflected off Felipe. Just when it looked as though Steve Cooper’s side would go in at the break in front, they were punished for switching off for a second when Isak acrobatically connected with a cross to level in added time.

Keylor Navas produced a couple of big saves to keep out Elliot Anderson and Bruno Guimaraes after the restart. The Magpies then had a goal ruled out for offside after VAR intervened, but they won it added time when Isak thumped in a penalty after a handball by Moussa Niakhate. Here’s how Reds reporter Sarah Clapson rated the Forest players at the City Ground.

Keylor Navas: Made a couple of excellent stops in the second half and was composed with the ball at his feet. Had no chance with the penalty. Rating: 6/10

Serge Aurier: Will have breathed a sigh of relief when VAR intervened, after Anderson had beaten him in the air. Chipped in with an important late last-ditch clearance. Rating: 6.5/10

Felipe: Threw himself in front of absolutely everything, including making a big block late on. Made some positive runs from the back, too. Rating: 7/10

Moussa Niakhate: Can have no complaints over the penalty decision. Was good to see him back involved, but perhaps wasn’t 100 percent sharp. Rating: 5/10

Renan Lodi: Newcastle made for tough opponents and kept the Brazilian busy. Wasn’t particularly easy at times and he had his work cut out. Rating: 6/10

Jonjo Shelvey: Didn’t hold back against his former club. In fact, walked a little close to the line at times. Managed a few nice passes when Forest got hold of the ball. Rating: 6/10

Ryan Yates: Such rotten luck for the midfielder. Showed exactly what Forest has been missing in his first start since January, then was forced off with a shoulder problem. Rating: 7/10

Brennan Johnson: So close to winning it for the Reds late on, drawing a strong save. Forest needed to get him on the ball more as looked dangerous when he had it. Rating: 6.5/10

Morgan Gibbs-White: Had some really lively moments in which he caused Newcastle problems. Just couldn’t quite make them count as the Magpies stood firm. Rating: 6.5/10

Emmanuel Dennis: Quality finish to put his side in front. That’s what Forest has been waiting for. Deserved his place in the XI after a couple of bright cameo appearances, and arguably had his best game for the Reds. Rating: 7/10

Andre Ayew: Worked hard and had some positive moments, including playing his part in the opener by applying some pressure. Generally held the ball up well. Rating: 6/10

Subs

Remo Freuler (for Yates, 58mins): A fairly quiet cameo appearance from the midfielder. Rating: 6/10

Sam Surridge (for Ayew, 79mins): Added some fresh legs and made a few positive runs. Rating: 6.5/10

Neco Williams (for Dennis, 79mins): Tried to offer an outlet in the closing minutes. Rating: 6/10

Gustavo Scarpa (for Shelvey, 90+3mins): Barely enough time on the pitch to see the ball. Rating: 6/10

Subs not used: Hennessey, Worrall, Colback, Toffolo, Danilo.