Newcastle United supporters have been left delighted after Eddie Howe's side made a 'perfect start' to the new season with a comfortable win over Nottingham Forest. Second-half strikes from Fabian Schar and Callum Wilson were enough to hand the dominant hosts all three points.
Howe resisted the temptation to hand Sven Botman his competitive black-and-white debut from the start, with the summer signing only introduced in the final minute as a substitute. Nick Pope was named in goal ahead of Martin Dubravka, while Miguel Almiron continued in attack alongside Allan Saint-Maximin and Callum Wilson.
Newcastle dominated proceedings throughout at St James' Park, but were unable to make the breakthrough in the first-half of the contest. Joelinton arguably came closest following a fine run, only to drag his effort wide of Dean Henderson's post.
READ MORE: Newcastle 2-0 Nottingham Forest as Fabian Schar and Callum Wilson goals seal dominant victory
The Manchester United loanee was not tested too often despite United's stranglehold on the match, but was powerless to prevent Schar's long-range screamer from finding the net. The Swiss international's goal was a mirror image of his memorable strike against Burnley in the 2019/20 season, with the centre-back beating the goalkeeper at his near post from around 25 yards out.
Wilson then made sure of the victory 12 minutes' from time, with a fine finish from a Joelinton cutback. Here is how Newcastle fans reacted to the opening-day win over Forest.
'Banana skin avoided'
'Bullied from the start'
'Let's kick on'
'Miggy masterclass'
'Superb performance'
'What a difference'
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