Nottingham Forest Player Ratings vs Newcastle United in the League Cup

Nottingham Forest came away with an enthralling 3-1 win against Newcastle United that saw two late goals and a controversial penalty decision waved away by the referee. 2019 will mark 50 years for Newcastle United without a major trophy as the wait goes on.

It was a fine display from Aitor Karanka’s side who continue to impress in the early stages of the season.

It took Daryl Murphy just two minutes to nod home a brilliant Sam Byram cross to give Boro the lead. Sam Byram then succumbed to injury and had to be replaced by Tendayi Darikwa. Karanka then saw Joe Lolly hobble off the field.

Rondon came off the bench and scored a late equaliser, only for substitute Matty Cash and Gil Dias to rack up two goals in the next three minutes to conclude the game in thrilling fashion.

Nottingham Forest Player Ratings

Luke Steele (7/10)

The goalkeeper made a couple of good saves in the first half. He was lucky to get away with a controversial penalty decision waved away by the referee.

Sam Byram (6/10)

The first goal was courtesy of a delicious cross from the former West Ham United man. However, he suffered an injury and had to be replaced.

Michael Hefele (9/10)

The German didn’t put a foot wrong the whole night. He made the most number of tackles and clearances in the game, taking home the man of the match award.

Danny Fox (8/10)

Fox was defensively impressive on the night and rarely looked out of place.

Jack Robinson (9/10)

The left-back was one of the standout performers as well, tirelessly surging up and down the flank.

Liam Bridcutt (7/10)

The Scottish midfielder was an able supporter of the backline. He kept his game crisp and simple.

Ben Watson (6/10)

Watson was smooth with his distribution but looked slightly off the pace.

Gil Dias (8/10)

Dias scored the final goal to cap off an impressive performance with a sublime dink over Darlow. He came close on many other occasions as well.

Joao Carvalho (8/10)

The Portuguese international terrorised the Newcastle defence with his ability on the ball. Carvalho ran riot but was unable to get on the scoresheet.

Joe Lolley (6/10)

Lolley looked energetic and lively but was unfortunate to be taken off.

Daryl Murphy (7/10)

The Irishman scored a superb header in the second minute of the game. He was constantly on the move and always kept the Newcastle defenders on their toes.

Substitutes

Tendayi Darikwa (6/10)

Darikwa replaced Sam Byram and was defensively impressive. However, the 26-year-old failed to replicate Byram’s attacking prowess.

Ben Osborn (6/10)

Osborn was silky and smooth with his dribbling in the middle of the park. The midfielder dragged a handful of Newcastle defenders out of their positions.

Matthew Cash (7/10)

Cash scored the decisive goal in the dying minutes of the game to ensure Boro saw out the win.