Gio Reyna came off the bench late for Nottingham Forest, but the American couldn't save the day in a Premier League loss to Newcastle.
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Gio Reyna comes off bench in 74'Forest fall to Newcastle Club sits just outside relegation in standingsGettyWHAT HAPPENED?
Newcastle struck first on a perfectly-workes set piece, scoring a stunning goal to make it 1-0 in the 10th minute. A short free kick was crossed to the back post by Kieran Trippier, who found an onrushing Bruno Guimares for a fantastic finish.
Forest pulled one back, though, on a goal from Anthony Elanga in the 26th minute but, just before halftime, Newcastle jumped back into the lead thanks to a Fabian Schar goal off another set piece. Forest, though, wouldn't be denied, as Callum Hudson-Odoi scored in the sixth minute of first-half stoppage time to send the two sides into the halftime break level at 2-2.
Guimares proved to be Newcastle's hero, though, as he broke the deadlock once again in the 67th minute. The Brazilian's curled effort from outside the box left goalkeeper Matz Sels with no chance as Newcastle seized a 3-2 lead they'd never relinquish.
AdvertisementGettyTHE BIGGER PICTURE
A Forest win didn't seem too likely entering the match with the two clubs on opposite sides of the Premier League hierarchy, but Forest will be left feeling there were points available from a game that really could have been a major lift.
With the defeat, Forest remain right near the bottom of the Premier League, currently sitting 16th in the standings. They have a one-point lead on 17th-place Luton Town, who have a game in hand but, more importantly, the lead over 18th-place Everton is just two points as Forest look to stay out of that final relegation spot.
Getty/GOALUSMNT IMPACT
Nuno Espirito Santo, Forest's manager, seems content to ease Reyna into the team, having utilized the American as a substitute in both matches so far. Given Reyna's history at Borussia Dortmund, some American fans may be left concerned by that but, at least in these early games, there's nothing wrong with a little bit of patience.
That said, Reyna will really need to start eventually if he wants to make this move worthwhile. For now, though, he'll need to impress off the bench, which he didn't quite do on Saturday as Forest never quite got anything going after his introduction in the 74th minute.
As for Reyna's USMNT teammate Matt Turner, his time as a No. 1 is all but over, meaning we likely won't see much more of him on the field for Forest this season outside Cup action.
Getty ImagesGOAL'S RATINGS
Gio Reyna (6/10):
Tried to make things happen, but couldn't quite do anything special. Had one good shot blocked away and one good through ball ruined by an offside call. Other than that, fairly quiet.
Matt Turner (N/A):
Was named to the bench, which is almost certainly where he'll stay for some time after losing his starting job.
