NOT for the first time, a dramatic and perhaps hugely pivotal Newcastle success was secured from the spot at Nottingham Forest.

It was at the City Ground that Alexander Isak held his nerve deep in stoppage time in March, 2023 and fired Newcastle to a victory crucial in their pursuit of Champions League football.

Eighteen months on, Isak again struck from the spot, as did Bruno Guimaraes, Anthony Gordon and Sean Longstaff to earn Newcastle a 4-3 penalty shoot-out win and a place in the Carabao Cup third round after the sides had played out a 1-1 draw in normal time.

Not that it looked like the game would stretch beyond 10pm when Newcastle got themselves in front just seconds after 8pm.

After 10 months out of action, it took just 10 seconds for Sandro Tonali to make his mark.

And just eight seconds after the Italian’s first touch back in a black and white shirt, those who’d roared his name on repeat in the away end before kick-off were celebrating.

Eddie Howe told of how the Italian would feel an “incredible release” on his return to action but Newcastle’s head could surely have never imagined such an instant impact and dream start.

After Tonali had played the ball on to Miguel Almiron, who set Alexander Isak away in the build-up to Joe Willock’s Newcastle opener, the midfielder charged forward in support of the attack, fuelled no doubt by 10 months of frustration on the sidelines. That set the tempo for what followed. No wonder Tonali needed treatment and a breather after half an hour. He was exhausted.

He was able to continue. Willock, unfortunately, was not. The highs and lows of football – after his 18th second opener a 14th minute withdrawal and more pain for a midfielder who has suffered torment of his own over the course of the past year. Devastation followed elation, Willock visibly gutted as he made his way down the tunnel. And he was watching from the bench as Forest equalised early in the second half through Jota Silva.

Neither team could find a winner and it looked like Forest were set to advance when Joelinton missed from the spot. But Ibraham Sangare hit the bar and Taiwo Awoniyi skied his effort allowing Sean Longstaff, who’d replaced Tonali on the hour mark, the chance to step up and score the winner.

Six Newcastle changes suggested a second string but weak the team most certainly was not. Not when you consider among those coming into the side were Kieran Trippier, Harvey Barnes and, of course, Tonali.

After setting Newcastle on their way to a dream start, Tonali almost got on the scoresheet himself just two minutes later, charging in on goal down the right but superbly denied by home keeper Carlos Miguel.

Newcastle probably merited their half-time lead but the opening five minutes had not been a sign of things to come. The Magpies had their moments, Joelinton and Almiron both going close, but had failed to build on Willock’s tap-in and lacked control and lost their rhythm after the stoppage that led to the midfielder’s withdrawal.

Nuno Espirito Santo had made 10 changes and it told early on but Forest got better and stronger as the game went on. Dan Burn’s long left leg hacked clear on the line after Jota Silva had beaten Nick Pope to a cross from the left and the hosts again threatened just before the break Taiwo Awoniyi failed to make the most of a teasing Ramon Sosa delivery.

The only survivor in the Forest team from the weekend win at Southampton was Elliot Anderson and how strange an occasion this must have been for the Geordie playing against his club for the first time. Anderson and Tonali embraced in the centre-circle before the second half got underway but it was Newcastle’s former rather than current midfielder who was celebrating five minutes later. A long throw from the left wasn’t dealt with by the jumping Joelinton and Burn and Jota lashed the bouncing ball in off the post.

Forest were on the front foot and Anderson had Pope scrambling when he took aim for the corner with an audacious lob that bounced just wide.

Newcastle lacked control and Miguel was now a spectator, Pope the busier and Forest looking much the more likely.

Howe turned to his bench. Tonali’s race was run and he made way, applauded and greeted by the coaching staff. Trippier and Almiron were also replaced, with Tino Livramento, Sean Longstaff and Anthony Gordon coming on. And the changes sparked an improvement. A fine move from left to right led to a chance for Barnes, denied by a brilliant sliding block from Alex Moreno. Burn headed wide, Barnes fired wide and Miguel kept out Hall’s 90th minute curler.

Miguel looked set to be the hero when he saved from Joelinton but Forest couldn't make the most of their advantage and Longstaff struck the winner.