Eddie Howe’s Expletive-Filled Relief with Newcastle Chairman Post-Forest Win Amid Saudi Governor’s Stadium Visit

Newcastle Edge Nottingham Forest 4-3 in Thriller as Al-Rumayyan Watches On
(Image: Newcastle players celebrate a goal during the chaotic 4-3 win.)

Eddie Howe shared a brief, expletive-filled moment of relief with Newcastle chairman Yasir Al-Rumayyan after the Magpies narrowly defeated Nottingham Forest 4-3 in a rollercoaster Premier League clash. Al-Rumayyan, governor of Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), is on Tyneside to oversee critical decisions about the club’s stadium future—either redeveloping St James’ Park or building a new ground at Leazes Park.

Chaos at St James’ Park
Newcastle delivered a Jekyll-and-Hyde performance, racing to a 4-1 halftime lead before Forest nearly staged a dramatic comeback with two second-half goals. “We saw the best and worst of us,” admitted Howe. “The first half was outstanding—dynamic, fluid, and intense. But we lost momentum after the break. It’s happened too often this season.”

The Magpies conceded inside six minutes but replied with four goals in just 11 minutes, including braces from Bruno Guimarães and Alexander Isak. Forest fought back late, with goals from Morgan Gibbs-White and Taiwo Awoniyi creating a nervy finish.

(Image: Yasir Al-Rumayyan (center) watches from the stands as Newcastle cling to victory.)

Stadium Plans Loom Large
Al-Rumayyan’s visit underscores the ownership’s focus on infrastructure. The Saudi delegation is weighing whether to expand the 52,000-seat St James’ Park or construct a new stadium. Howe praised the chairman’s engagement, saying, “He’s very invested and on top of everything. It was great to see him.”

The pair shared a candid post-match exchange. “There were a couple of swear words from me,” Howe laughed. “He was in the same emotional state—relief!”

Forest’s Frustration
Nottingham Forest boss Nuno Espirito Santo lamented his team’s slow start. “We were too bad, too soon. In the first half, I didn’t recognize us.” His side dominated after halftime, with Nuno adding, “I wish there were 10 minutes added—we were on top.”

(Image: Nuno Espirito Santo gestures in frustration during Forest’s comeback attempt.)

What’s Next?
Newcastle’s win lifts them to fifth, but inconsistency remains a concern. For Forest, survival hopes hinge on sharper starts. Meanwhile, Al-Rumayyan’s stadium decision could redefine Newcastle’s future—on and off the pitch.

Final Score: Newcastle 4-3 Nottingham Forest
Key Moments:

• 6’ – Forest open scoring
• 15’–26’ – Newcastle net four rapid goals
• 53’ & 76’ – Forest claw back but fall short

(Image: Fans celebrate at a packed St James’ Park during the thrilling match.)

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