Nottingham Forest are perhaps not the best gauge for your prospects of seasonal success right now. Not since the pre-takeover version of Newcastle United has a team been so careless in possession and anaemic in attack at St James’ Park.
So, the reaction to the home side’s opening-day victory should almost certainly be tempered. It has not been, of course.
Supporters, understandably enthused at the outset of a campaign that promises much, were lauding their team’s performance long into the night on Saturday.
MATCH FACTS AND PLAYER RATINGS
NEWCASTLE (4-3-3): Pope 6.