Eddie Howe and Nuno Espirito Santo are determined to lead their teams to European competition next season. After a recent match where Newcastle closed the gap to Nottingham Forest, Howe's squad showed signs of improvement despite almost squandering a lead. This match highlighted Howe's focus on rectifying previous mistakes, especially after a disappointing loss to Manchester City. Nottingham Forest's counter-attacking prowess was on display, with Callum Hudson-Odoi scoring early, illustrating both teams' strengths and challenges as they prepare for crucial future matches.
When the final whistle blew, Howe's fifth-placed team had closed the gap on Nuno's Forest to three points and must have felt that Madrid, Milan, Munich and the rest of the Champions League staging posts had moved into sharper focus on the horizon.
If that was a testament to visiting resilience it also indicated that Howe's side are still in danger of being blown off course by the distraction of next month's Wembley final against Liverpool.
When Callum Hudson-Odoi caught Jacob Murphy dithering on the ball after Tino Livramento's poor throw, he pinched possession and proceeded to cut in from the left.
Callum Hudson-Odoi found the target to give Forest an early lead at St James' Park.
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