N Forest 1 – 1 Newcastle

Sando Tonali made an impressive return from his 10-month betting ban on a night that ended with an awful Taiwo Awoniyi spot-kick as Newcastle knocked Nottingham Forest out of the Carabao Cup on penalties.

The build-up to Wednesday’s second-round tie revolved around the 24-year-old midfielder making his first competitive appearance since serving a worldwide suspension for breaching gambling rules in Italy.

Tonali showed flashes of his quality as he stepped out for Newcastle for the first time in 308 days and was involved in the build-up to Joe Willock’s opener after just 19 seconds.

“I thought he did well,” Magpies boss Eddie Howe said of the Italy international. “He was involved in some lovely little passages of play.

Carabao Cup third-round draw:

  • Liverpool vs West Ham
  • Man City vs Watford
  • Arsenal vs Bolton
  • Manchester United vs Barnsley
  • Wycombe vs Aston Villa
  • Coventry vs Tottenham
  • Walsall vs Leicester
  • Brentford vs Leyton Orient
  • Blackpool vs Sheffield Wednesday
  • Preston vs Fulham
  • Everton vs Southampton
  • QPR vs Crystal Palace
  • Stoke vs Fleetwood
  • Brighton vs Wolves
  • AFC Wimbledon vs Newcastle
  • Chelsea vs Barrow

“He did well fitness-wise considering the lack of match action he’s had. I think he can be really pleased with the reception he got from the Newcastle supporters at the end. You could see the amount of Italian flags in the crowd, that embrace with the supporters.

“A lot of emotion coming out from Sandro’s side and, of course, from the supporters’ side back. That connection is so important for any player, and he will be hugely boosted by that. But a great day for him, a great return and a positive result.”

Home debutant Jota Silva lashed Forest level early in the second half and the tie ended 1-1 after 90 minutes, with the visitors triumphing 4-3 on spot-kicks.

Joe Willock scores early for Newcastle against Nottingham Forest in the Carabao Cup
Image:
Joe Willock scored in the opening minute for Newcastle

The hosts were dreaming of progress after debutant Carlos Miguel saved Joelinton’s effort, only for Ibrahim Sangare to hit the crossbar before Awoniyi ballooned over to allow Sean Longstaff to win it for Newcastle.

It was a crushing end to the night for Forest, showing 10 changes from the weekend, who responded well after going behind after just 19 seconds.

Carabao Cup dates:

  • Round Three: w/c September 16/23
  • Round Four: October 30
  • Quarter-finals: December 18
  • Semi-finals: January 8 (first leg) & February 5 (second leg)
  • Final: March 16

Newcastle broke at pace having dealt with a long ball. Tonali prodded through to Miguel Almiron, who smartly put Alexander Isak in behind with a first-time pass.

Miguel saved the striker’s low shot but could only push into the path of Willock to turn in from close range.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Willock gives Newcastle the lead inside 19 seconds at Nottingham Forest

A fine Newcastle start could have become even better had Forest’s goalkeeper not spread himself to stop the returning Tonali from scoring in the third minute.

The let-off appeared to jolt the hosts into life, with Dan Burn clearing off the line after Jota beat Nick Pope to a cross.

Goalscorer Willock, who had endured so many injury issues recently, limped off in the 15th minute but Newcastle continued to prove a threat.

Sandro Tonali is denied by Nottingham Forest goalkeeper Carlos Miguel.
Image:
Sandro Tonali is denied by Nottingham Forest goalkeeper Carlos Miguel

Almiron and Joelinton had attempts in a half that ended with Ramon Sosa’s tantalising free-kick somehow failing to find a telling touch.

Forest had grown into proceedings and levelled five minutes after the break.

Newcastle failed to effectively deal with debutant Alex Moreno’s throw-in and summer signing Jota reacted with a superb snapshot that whizzed in off the woodwork.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Nottingham Forest’s ‘Portuguese Grealish’ Jota Silva levels against Newcastle in the Carabao Cup

Forest had the bit between their teeth and Elliot Anderson went close against his former club with an audacious clipped effort.

Both sides made changes with around half an hour remaining of this end-to-end tie, including Tonali being replaced by Longstaff to warm applause from the travelling support.

Nicolas Dominguez saw a low effort held for the hosts but it was Newcastle pushing strongest for a winner.

Burn powered a header wide and Harvey Barnes lasered into the side-netting after Tino Livramento had superbly skipped past his man and cutback to him.

Newcastle continued to push for a late winner and Miguel clawed away a left-footed Lewis Hall effort before penalties.

Newcastle celebrate a penalty shoot-out win over Forest
Image:
Newcastle celebrate their penalty shoot-out win over Forest

The first three penalties were converted, before Miguel got down low to his right to deny Brazilian compatriot Joelinton.

Forest had victory in their sights, only for Sangare to smash the crossbar and, after Anthony Gordon levelled, Awoniyi slammed way over the bar.

Longstaff kept his composure to seal Newcastle’s progress.