Newcastle's Guimarães Worsens Postecoglou's Growing Crisis at Forest
Forest's manager strode for the exit with a puzzled expression, his eyes downcast. After seven games as manager with zero wins, his prospects looked as uncertain as thick mist over the river.
Although the home side were not at their best form, second-half strikes from the Brazilian midfielder and the German striker—the latter from the penalty spot—ultimately secured them a much-needed another top-flight win this campaign.
From the start, Postecoglou's insulated jacket wrapped him like a duvet, but the Australian's restless body language suggested it provided no solace.
No jacket could shield him from the fear that his victory-less start by the Trent—having arrived as the first coach in 100 years to go winless in his opening six fixtures—would continue ahead of a likely sacking over the international break.
And yet, his side did not do too badly during a tight at the back first half.
Although Elliot Anderson at times outshone even Sandro Tonali in midfield, showing everyone why Eddie Howe was so reluctant to sell the homegrown talent, Nikola Milenkovic contained the striker out of the game, and Nicolò Savona gave Dan Burn difficulties on the flank.
In fairness to the forward, who received minimal service to his feet or head, his side's creative department lacked fluidity.
Admittedly, it took a fine fingertip save from Matt Sels—ex- Magpies goalkeeper—to keep out the Brazilian's header, and the midfielder failed to convert a few opportunities, but overall, Forest's defending was much improved.
Considering it is only a few weeks since the Australian succeeded his predecessor and games have come thick and fast, with precious little time to implement his theories on the practice field, all the speculation of an impending dismissal seemed faintly premature.
That was until the midfielder lifted a effort over the keeper and into the upper net from just outside the box.
That saw the manager looking dismayed in clear frustration, with the pained expression of a man who had misplaced his house keys.
His players protested about a perceived foul on their playmaker by the scorer in the buildup, but their protests were ignored by the referee.
With the Italian now dominant in midfield, the youngster was not the only visiting player being put in his place.
By now, the coach had thrown off his coat and rolled up the arms of his sweater. As his team rarely looking likely of scoring and Newcastle looking to shred their earlier much-enhanced backline, he was obviously under pressure.
There was a further fine save from Sels to deny Tonali's driven attempt, before the resultant set-piece led to the striker's half-volley hitting the bottom of the bar.
The keeper then made an excellent two quick stops from the defender and Harvey Barnes before eventually being beaten again from the penalty spot by Woltemade.
The penalty was given when Anderson's mistimed challenge brought the Brazilian crashing to the ground.
Up stepped, the German forward to beat Sels by lifting a quite bold spot-kick into the upper left side.
That marked Woltemade's fourth strike for the club since his £70m move from the German side in August, making a mockery of claims from officials at the German giants that the Magpies were “foolish” to pay so much for the striker.
This may not have been Woltemade's finest performance in Newcastle colors, but his ability to hold the ball up and use his adhesive control to link play is already making him a cult hero on in Newcastle.